Studies have shown that participation in evidence-based community falls prevention programs can improve confidence, decrease fear of falling, and result in fewer falls and fall-related injuries.
Evidence-based falls prevention programs (EBFPPs) are simple, cost-effective interventions that offer treatments that promote behavior change and leverage
community networks. The programs help participants improve strength, balance, and mobility, and provide education on how to avoid falls and reduce fall risk factors. Many of these programs also involve medication reviews and modifications and provide home hazard assessments of ways to reduce environmental hazards. They have been rigorously tested, proven to be effective, and translated into practice models available to community-based organizations.
Programs are conducted one or more times per week over several weeks in remote (video conference) and/or community settings (hospitals, churches, libraries, YWCAs, YMCAs, senior centers, public housing, community health centers, fire departments, and cooperative extension programs). The programs are facilitated by trained leaders, and fidelity to the original research is tracked (to ensure participants benefit fully from the intervention).
Each of the programs below meets ACL's criteria for evidence-based programs specifically for falls prevention.
Discretionary grants and Older Americans Act Title III-D programs supported by the Prevention and Public Health Fund may be used in the implementation of these programs.
- A Matter of Balance
- Bingocize
- CAPABLE
- Enhance Fitness
- FallsTalk
- FallScape
- Fit & Strong!
- Home Hazard Removal Program(HARP)
- Healthy Steps for Older Adults(HSOA)
- Healthy Steps in Motion
- The Otago Exercise Program
- Stay Active and Independent for Life(SAIL)
- Stepping ON
- Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
- Tai Chi Prime
- Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance
- YMCA Moving for Better Balance