Preventing Falls in Dementia: A Primary Care Imperative

Webinar presented by South Eastern Melbourne Primary Heath Network (SEMPHN) in collaboration with South East Public Health Unit (SEPHU)

Falls are a leading cause of injury and hospitalisation among older adults, and people living with dementia face significantly higher risks due to cognitive impairment, mobility challenges, and medication-related factors. Primary care providers play a critical role in identifying and managing these risks early.

This webinar is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to:

• Interpret regional data about dementia and falls risk.
• Apply practical, evidence-based strategies to reduce falls risk in patients with dementia.
• Recognise the impact of medications and behavioural factors on falls.
• Access and refer to local dementia rehabilitation programs and supports.
• Through expert presentations and real-world insights, participants will gain confidence in implementing falls prevention strategies tailored to the needs of people living with dementia, ultimately improving patient safety and quality of care in primary care settings.

Presenters

Mohana Baptista

Fall Risk in Dementia: Insights from the Data 

Mohana is a public health executive with extensive experience across local and state government, health services, and international contexts. She has a proven record in leading strategy, surveillance, and equity-focused intelligence to inform policy and drive system reform.

As Lead Epidemiologist at the South East Public Health Unit, Monash Health, and a National Board Director of the Australian Health Promotion Association, she works to connect public health intelligence with policy action, advance reform, and embed equity, lived experience, and multicultural community perspectives in decision-making. She brings systems thinking, cultural insight, and a strong commitment to inclusive, people-centred health policy.

Dr Claudia Meyer

A behaviour change lens on physical activity to prevent falls among people living with dementia 

As a Senior Research Fellow, Dr Claudia Meyer integrates a clinical physiotherapy background with research expertise to lead the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based practices across the aged care continuum. Her work at Bolton Clarke, Australia’s largest not-for-profit provider, is grounded in shared decision-making, co-design, and behaviour change principles, with a focus on improving outcomes for older Australians—particularly those living with dementia and/or experiencing frailty.

Claudia is also heavily involved with the Australian Association of Gerontology, being their immediate Past President, the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, and is a board director of Dhelkaya Health, a regional Victorian public health service.

Dr De-Cing Angel Lee

Is there a role for gait aids to improve stability and reduce falls risk for older people with dementia? 

Dr. Den-Ching Angel Lee is a Senior Research Fellow at Monash University's Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre and the National Centre for Healthy Ageing (NCHA) in Australia. With 20 years of clinical experience as a registered physiotherapist specialising in gerontology and rehabilitation, her research focuses on physical activity programs for people with dementia, especially those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Her work also addresses fall prevention, improving mobility care, and promoting rehabilitation access to reduce disability associated with dementia. She is dedicated to advancing evidence-based practices among healthcare professionals.

Fleur O’Keefe

Balancing Act: Medications and Falls in people living with dementia 

Fleur O’Keefe is currently the Senior Clinical Nurse Advisor (SCNA), Aged Care and Dementia at Bolton Clarke.

She has a clinical background as an endorsed Nurse Practitioner in Aged Care and holds a Master of Nursing (coursework) and a second Master of Nursing- Nurse Practitioner degree. She is also an experienced researcher who has worked on projects that aimed to support community-dwelling older people and their carers in the areas of dementia care and medicines management. Through her role as SCNA, Fleur provides clinical leadership and nursing expertise across Bolton Clarke’s Home & Community Support and Residential Aged Care homes. She continues to work as an Associate Researcher with the Bolton Clarke Research Institute.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Recognise the significantly higher falls risks associated with dementia.
• Apply practical strategies to reduce falls in primary care settings.
• Describe the role of medication and behaviour in falls prevention.
• Access local programs and resources to support patients and carers.