Page 17 - Preventing Falls: How to Develop Community-based Fall Prevention Programs for Older Adults

Chapter 3. The Important Role of Partnerships

CHAPTER 3

The Important role

of Partnerships

It may be difficult for your organization, on its own, to
implement a fall prevention program. By collaborating
with other community organizations and professionals that
specialize in different types of services for older adults,
such as health care, exercise, home safety assessments,
and education, you can make your program more
comprehensive, effective, and possibly less costly. For
example, a public health or health care organization may
partner with a senior services or parks and recreation
organization to offer a Tai Chi program.
Collaborating with other CBOs can provide additional
resources, outreach channels, or referral sources for your
program. Because of its many benefits, collaboration can
be essential to implementing your program and sustaining
it over time.

Developing partnerships

Assess your current situation. Planning your fall
prevention program involves a careful analysis of your
organization’s resources and needs, including staff,
funding, facilities, technology, and expertise. This
information clarifies when a potential partnership with
another organization can support your program goals.
Identify potential partners. Partnerships should be
mutually beneficial. Identify organizations that share your
mission of improving health and safety for older adults or
that have a vested interest in reducing falls among older
adults. Determine how collaboration will support short- and
long-term goals.

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