Page 49 - Preventing Falls: How to Develop Community-based Fall Prevention Programs for Older Adults

Chapter 9. Sustaining Your Fall Prevention Program

CHAPTER 9

Sustaining Your Fall

Prevention Program

Sustaining a program takes organizational commitment
and should be considered early in the planning process so
that programs and services can become an integral part of
the organization.
Build with sustainability in mind. This means addressing the
need for an adequate workforce and infrastructure to keep
up with program demand. Partner with organizations that
can extend your reach and build in financial sustainability.
Create a written sustainability plan to provide a road map
to guide you and your program’s community partners as
you work on sustainability efforts. The process of creating
a written sustainability plan can strengthen community
partners’ commitment and understanding of the efforts
needed to keep your program operating and improving.
A tangible document that describes your sustainability plan
helps you and your community partners monitor progress
on sustainability efforts.

Establish your vision

Determine the vision of your program. A common vision
unifies all of your program’s sustainability efforts. Write it
down and share it with everyone involved. Keeping your
vision in sight will serve to strengthen your program’s
sustainability.

Integrate your program into community health care and
senior services by linking with senior service providers, the
local health department, health care organizations, and
the local Area Agency on Aging; they can provide ongoing
community support and referrals.

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