Falls prevention access and funding is a key policy and government relations priority for the APA. 

Physiotherapy-led prevention reduces falls and fractures. It improves strength, balance, confidence and mobility, while enhancing a person’s participation and quality of life. 

It also reduces system costs through avoided hospitalisations and surgery. 

New South Wales residential aged care provider Twilight Aged Care has had outstanding results in falls and injury reduction and risk management since implementing a comprehensive, physiotherapy-led exercise and falls prevention program in its facilities three years ago. 

When Linda Bennetts APAM says she became a physiotherapist ‘by complete mistake almost’, she is not being modest—she is being truthful. 

Is the $261 hourly rate discussed in the Nous Group’s report, Review of the 2024–25 APR with respect to physiotherapy, enough? Maybe. It’s a great start.

As managing director of Physio Health Perth, Shabreena Mavi APAM spends her days helping older adults regain movement, confidence and independence. 

It’s a role that unites her fascination with how movement transforms lives and her belief that physiotherapy is ‘a perfect blend of compassion, empowerment and movement’. 

When frail older people present to hospital emergency departments, the decision about whether to admit them has enormous consequences. 

For some, a hospital stay is essential, but for many others, remaining in their homes with the right support leads to better outcomes, greater independence and a better quality of life.

What practical strategies would you suggest are the most useful for promoting better cognitive and physical health in older adults? 

Being physically active on a regular basis. 

Activity can mean going for a walk with your grandchildren or walking to the neighbourhood coffee shop with a friend. 

Dr Rachel Nelligan APAM is a clinical physiotherapist and research fellow at the University of Melbourne with an interest in chronic pain. 

‘I was working mainly with people with chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis [OA], which developed into a clinical interest.'