Body protection equipment in Australia

Protecting Against Injury from Falls, Seizures, and Self-Harm

Body protection equipment reduces the severity of injuries when falls, seizures, or behavioural episodes occur. For people at high risk of head injury, hip fracture, or skin damage, the right protective equipment can prevent a fall from becoming a hospital admission.

This is specialised equipment. A protective helmet for someone with epilepsy has different requirements from one designed for a person with an acquired brain injury. Hip protectors must be correctly fitted to the person’s body shape and worn consistently to be effective. Protective garments for people who self-injure need to be durable, comfortable, and not restrictive.

Through Carevo, you can connect with body protection equipment providers in Australia who assess, fit, supply, and review protective equipment matched to the person’s specific risks.

When Body Protection Equipment is Needed

• Frequent falls. Older adults and people with neurological conditions who fall regularly and are at risk of hip fracture or head injury.
• Epilepsy and seizure disorders. Protection against head injury during seizures, particularly tonic-clonic seizures that involve sudden loss of consciousness and falling.
• Acquired brain injury. Post-surgical cranial protection when a section of skull has been removed (craniectomy) and not yet replaced.
• Self-injurious behaviour. Protective garments and headwear for people whose behaviour support plan includes physical protection as a component.
• Cerebral palsy and movement disorders. Protection for people with involuntary movements that put them at risk of impact injuries.

Types of Body Protection Equipment

Providers through Carevo assess, fit, and supply:

Protective Helmets Custom-fitted or adjustable helmets designed for specific clinical needs. Epilepsy helmets are lightweight with impact-absorbing liners. Cranial protection helmets for post-craniectomy patients provide rigid protection to the surgical site. All helmets must be fitted correctly to provide protection without causing discomfort or pressure injuries.

Hip Protectors Garments with built-in impact-absorbing pads positioned over the greater trochanter (hip bone). Worn as underwear or shorts, they reduce the force transmitted to the hip during a fall. Effective hip protectors require correct sizing and consistent wearing. An OT or physiotherapist assesses the person’s fall pattern and hip fracture risk to determine the appropriate product.

Shin and Knee Guards Protective pads for people who frequently injure their lower legs through falls, wheelchair footplate impacts, or involuntary movements. Available in soft or rigid formats depending on the level of protection needed.

Protective Clothing Reinforced or padded garments that protect the torso, arms, or legs. Used for people with self-injurious behaviour, frequent falls, or skin fragility. Clothing is designed to look normal and be comfortable for daily wear while providing clinical protection.

Elbow and Hand Protection Padded guards for people who fall onto outstretched hands or whose involuntary movements cause elbow impacts. Also used for people who injure their hands through repetitive self-injurious behaviour.

The Assessment and Fitting Process

1. Risk assessment. An OT or physiotherapist assesses the person’s injury risk, fall history, seizure pattern, or behaviour profile.
2. Product selection. Based on the risk assessment, the therapist recommends specific protective equipment.
3. Fitting. The equipment is fitted to the person. Helmets are adjusted for size and strap tension. Hip protectors are sized to the person’s body measurements.
4. Trial period. The person wears the equipment in daily use to confirm comfort, fit, and willingness to wear it.
5. Review. The therapist reviews the equipment after a trial period, checks for pressure areas, and confirms the person is wearing it consistently.

Funding Body Protection Equipment

• NDIS Assistive Technology: Protective equipment is funded under NDIS AT supports where it is related to the person’s disability. An AT assessment report is required.
• AT-HM Scheme: Basic hip protectors and low-cost protective items may fall under Tier 1 (up to $500). Custom helmets and more complex equipment fall under Tier 2.
• Support at Home: Hip protectors and fall protection can be funded through the separate Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, which provides equipment funding outside your ongoing quarterly service budget.
• DVA: Eligible veterans can access body protection equipment through DVA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my family member actually wear a helmet or hip protectors? Compliance is the biggest challenge with body protection equipment. The assessment process specifically considers the person’s preferences, comfort, and willingness to wear the equipment. Providers offer options in different colours, styles, and materials. For people with cognitive impairment, a gradual introduction with carer support improves acceptance.

Do hip protectors actually prevent fractures? Evidence shows that hip protectors reduce hip fracture risk when worn during a fall. The key factor is compliance: they only work if they are being worn at the time of the fall. Correct sizing and comfortable design improve the likelihood that the person will wear them consistently.

Are protective helmets heavy or uncomfortable? Modern protective helmets are lightweight, ventilated, and designed for all-day wear. They are significantly lighter and more comfortable than sporting helmets. Custom fitting ensures even pressure distribution and no pressure points.

Can body protection equipment be washed? Most protective garments and helmet liners are machine washable. Hip protectors should be washed according to manufacturer instructions to maintain the integrity of the impact-absorbing pads. Your provider will give specific care instructions.

Related Assistive Technology Services

Body protection equipment is often part of a broader safety strategy that may include personal emergency alarms for fall response, home modifications to reduce fall hazards, and mobility equipment to improve stability. A comprehensive assistive technology assessment can identify all your protection and safety needs.

Find a Body Protection Equipment Provider in Australia

Get matched with someone who can help with body protection equipment For a free, no-obligation discussion about body protection equipment in Australia.