FFP stands for Falls Prevention Program. In this program tailored exercise and education is used to assist in building balance, strength and coordination which may reduce the risk of falls.
The program is for people living in the North West region of Tasmania who:
Participants are required to have medical clearance from a GP prior to starting the program. Medical clearance form
It is FREE to participate in the Falls Prevention Program. This program is funded by the Healthy Tasmania Fund, an initiative of the Tasmanian Government.
The program is 6 weeks in total. This includes 6 weeks of face-to-face classes and phone health coaching sessions.
The program aims to promote improved physical wellbeing through tailored exercise programs. You'll get help to reduce the risk of falls, improve confidence, enhance independence and increase physical function.
The program includes classes (education and exercise) as well as phone coaching sessions. You'll learn from qualified health professionals in the classes and phone coaching.
The education and exercise classes will include a tailored exercise program specific to you. The personal phone coaching sessions allow you to discuss your progress with a health coach. You'll be able to apply the lessons from the program and discuss how to overcome any obstacles.
You’ll be assessed at the start and end of the program, so you’ll know the progress that you’ve made.
This program covers the following topics together with an individualised exercise program:
Risk Identification Skills: Participants will be able to identify fall risk factors in their daily lives. This includes home hazards and risky behaviours.
Balance and Strength Improvement: Participants will learn exercises that improve their ability to prevent a fall. These exercises help stability, strength, and mobility.
Environmental Modification Knowledge: Participants will learn how to assess their living spaces and make changes that reduce fall hazards.
Emergency Response Preparedness: Participants will develop and practice an action plan for what to do in the event of a fall. This includes learning how to get up, call for help, and access emergency services.
Assessment and delivery of the program is within the scope of practice of the following professions:
The following exercise professionals may deliver the exercise and education sessions:
Unfortunately, participants are unable to “catch-up” on any missed classes or coaching sessions due to non-attendance.
Once you have completed the program, you will be discharged from the program. You will be provided with some ongoing exercise options to participate in. A report will be sent to your referrer and GP to let them know about your progress in the program.
The program is run by appropriately qualified health professionals for your safety. Your exercise prescription is based on current best practice guidelines making it low risk of harm.
Yes. You can refer yourself for the program or your GP or Allied Health Practitioner can also make the referral. The referral form is located at fallsprevention.net.au/referral or under the referral tab at the top of this page.
The Falls Prevention Program will run through to the end of June 2026. Programs will be delivered across NW Tasmania during this time. The number of classes during this time will be based on demand in each area.
You’ll be contacted to arrange a weekly session time with your health coach.
Wear clothes that are comfortable and don’t restrict your movement when you move. Wear supportive shoes that have good grip. E.g. Clothes and shoes that you would wear if you were going for a walk.
90 minutes. Each class consists of a combination of education and exercise tailored to you. You won’t be exercising for the full 90 minutes. Your instructor will work to your fitness level.
You will be given an individualised exercise program. Your exercises will be suitable for you whatever your level of fitness is and will be advanced over the program as you become stronger and fitter.
Participants can only participate in the program once. You will be discharged from the program after your final assessment. Ongoing exercise options will be discussed with you during the program.
The classes will be run out of local gyms or halls and will be available in the following locations in north west Tasmania:
Increasing your movement has been shown to improve your health outcomes, give you a better quality of life, and reduce your change of hospital admission. Doing this program may help you move more in a safe and supportive way.
Exercise may be associated with:
The exercises you do will be tailored to you based on your initial assessment.
When your muscles are made to work harder than they are used to or in a different way, it’s normal to feel sore after exercising. To help prevent this, your exercises will start out gentle and will be progressed over the course of the program as you get fitter and stronger.
During your initial assessment, we will discuss your medical history with you so that we can provide exercises that are safe for you to do. Your exercises will be supported by current best-practice guidelines.
