FALLS - THE FACTS

Falls and fall-related injuries in older people are common and have negative effects on functional independence, social engagement and quality of life.  The estimated cost of falls-related injuries in Ireland, including primary, acute and social care costs, is project to exceed €2 billion by 2030. The COVID -19 pandemic has undoubtably led to an increase in frailty and falls.   

Many falls are preventable. Research has shown that exercise including strengthening and balance training is key to reducing falls and fear of falling.  To reduce falls, balance exercises must be challenging, strengthening exercise must be progressed, and the exercises must be individualised. People need to exercise three times a week safely, for at least 12 to 16 weeks, with a greater long-term changes seen with longer programmes (up to 24 weeks)

COMMUNITY FALLS MANAGEMENT IN IRELAND

In 2008, the HSE published a National Strategy to Prevent Falls and Fractures in Ireland’s Aging Population (HSE 2008).  The population health improvement project AFFINITY (Activating Falls and Fracture Prevention in Ireland Together) was established in 2013 to coordinate a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to reducing harm from falls.  It monitored and supported early falls prevention programmes, provided change management resources and raised awareness with key stakeholders. However, a gap analysis study found there was only a limited amount of process and implementation data available.  

In order to improve evidence-based exercise availability, AFFINITY supported a training programme for physiotherapy staff (HSE) and exercise professionals (private / community providers). The physiotherapists and exercise professionals were trained by Later Life Training to become Postural Stability Instructors; qualified to deliver FaME.  

The Falls Management Exercise Programme (FaME) is a 24-week community-based group and home exercise programme led by qualified Postural Stability Instructors (PSIs).  It has been shown to reduce falls and well as improve physical activity levels, physical function and well-being.  Around 120 specialist instructors have been trained to deliver FaME. 

The purpose of the FaME Ireland research project was to build on the work previously, and to look at how best to learn from a number of 'early adopter sites' to take forward the increased provision of FaME in Ireland.

We also looked at where FaME and other community based exercise programmes for older people fitted within the context of the larger health provision picture in primary and community care, linking with GP, community services, ICPOP, older people's services, and physiotherapy services along with key partners in local councils, sports partnerships and other care providers to see if we could encourage and facilitate the development of frameworks, partnerships, pathways and networking between these various organisations.  

We hope that the resources compiled on these pages, especially the content from our March 2026 conference and in the very practical Implementation Toolkit might be helpful to those with an interest in learning more about FaME and the practical considerations to getting services up and running locally.