Page 23 - Preventing Falls: How to Develop Community-based Fall Prevention Programs for Older Adults

SELECTING AN EvIDENCE-BASED FALL PrEvENTION PrOGrAM

target audience, and available resources, • Are there opportunities for social
consider these questions: interaction among the participants?

• Which fall prevention activities are Such opportunities contribute to
feasible and will best serve the needs program retention and sustainability.
of our community? • Does the program address modifiable risk
• Which program fits our organization? factors (e.g., exercises to improve lower
body strength and balance)
• Does the program complement other
programs already being offered? • Can the program be tailored to meet the
differing abilities of the participants?
• Is the program appropriate for our target
older adult population? • Are exercises progressive (get more
challenging over time)? This is a key
• Are older adults in the community component of an effective fall prevention
interested in the program? exercise program.
• Is safe, reliable, and low cost • Can your facility provide the amount of
transportation to and from the program time needed to provide the recommended
available?
intervention dose (e.g. for a total of 50
• Do we have personnel with the hours for a Tai Chi program)?
expertise to conduct the program or
is there a system in place to train
program instructors?

• Are the costs and resources needed
within our budget?
Note: costs may include licensing fees,
training costs and access to training
programs, equipment, space and other
considerations.

Program characteristics

General questions:
• Does the program require specially
trained instructors?
• Will the program provide education
about fall prevention?

• Does the program promote falls self-
efficacy (confidence to prevent falls)
among the participants?

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