Worried about the safety of a parent or older family member living at home?

Falls are frightening

Seeing a parent or older relative fall, or nearly fall, can be confronting. You want them to stay safe and independent at home, but it can be hard to know what will actually help.

Does any of this sound familiar?

• You're worried about another fall but don't know exactly what to change.
• You're not sure how safe their home environment really is (steps, bathroom, rugs, lighting, pets).
• You're unsure how to support their daily activities without taking away their independence.
• You feel overwhelmed by different advice and services that aren't tailored to your loved one or your family's situation.

Who this consult is for

• Adult children and family members of older adults (65+) living at home in Australia.
• Families where there has been a recent fall, near fall, or a return home after a fracture or joint replacement.
• Families who want structured, practical guidance about home safety and what to discuss with GPs and therapists.

What we cover in your 60-minute video consult

During your 60-minute consult, we work through the areas that most families worry about after a fall – what happened, how safe the home is, and what can be done now.

1. Understanding the older person's situation

• Brief history of recent falls or near falls, and how things are going day to day at home.
• Identification and discussion of key risk factors for falls – including health conditions, medications, mobility, home environment and daily routines.
• Summary of any injuries and recommendations already provided by hospitals, GPs or other health professionals.

You can share most of this information in a short pre-session form so more of the consult can focus on advice and planning.

2. Home safety walk-through

• Overview of the key areas used every day (entrances, bedroom, bathroom, toilet, main living areas).
• Spotting obvious trip and slip hazards such as clutter, loose rugs, cords, pets and uneven surfaces.
• Looking at how furniture and commonly used items are set up for everyday tasks.
• Checking general lighting and ease of moving around the home, including at night.
• Highlighting areas where simple changes may help, or where a home assessment by an occupational therapist could be useful.

3. Safe mobility and daily activities

• Current mobility and use of walking aid.
• Managing daily activities as safely as possible.

4. How family can support

• Practical ways to assist or supervise higher-risk tasks.
• Simple changes family can make in the short term.

5. Recommendations and next steps

• General guidance on which health providers or services may help (GP, Physio, OT, Dietitian, Podiatry, etc.).
• Discussion of common equipment: walking aids, seating options, bathroom aids, personal alarms, hip protectors, reacher tools.

6. Time for your questions

• Dedicated time for you to ask questions and clarify next steps.

What your family receives

The aim of this consult is to help you feel less alone, more informed, and clearer about what you can do next.

• A clearer understanding of day-to-day safety issues in and around the home.
• General suggestions for practical changes to consider.
• Greater confidence in how to support your older relative at home.
• A concise written "Family Safety Summary" after the consult (key risks discussed, suggested changes, questions for GP and other providers).
• Guidance on which services to approach for further assessment or support.

Book family consult

How it works

Everything is designed to be simple for you and your family. Here’s what to expect:

1. Book online – Choose a time and book via the secure online booking system. Payment is taken at booking.
2. Pre-session form – Complete a brief online form with information about the fall, health, and home setup.
3. 60-minute video consult – Family members can join from different locations. Where possible, we’ll walk through key areas of the home together on video.
4. Written summary – Your family receives a Family Safety Summary with suggested next steps.
5. Optional follow-up – Follow-up sessions are available if you would like additional guidance.

Who I am and how I can help

I am a physiotherapist with over 20 years' experience in aged care, rehabilitation and community therapy for older adults. I specialise in helping older people stay on their feet, move with confidence, and remain as safe as possible at home.

My focus is helping families turn concern into a practical plan – so you know what to watch for, what you can change at home, and when to seek further help.

Peter Haynes
Physiotherapist (AHPRA registration: PHY0002189618)

Important information

• This service is not an emergency service.
• It provides general education and guidance based on information provided by the family and older person.
• It does not provide medical diagnosis, prescribe medications, or replace in-person assessment and treatment.
• If you are worried about serious or worsening symptoms – for example chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, sudden weakness, severe pain, new confusion, or significant injury from a fall – please seek urgent medical attention (e.g. call 000 or attend emergency).
• The physiotherapist may recommend follow-up with local providers where appropriate.