Implementing a Community-Based Falls-Prevention Program: From Drawing Board to Reality

2007 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanne Filiatrault ◽  
Manon Parisien ◽  
Sophie Laforest ◽  
Carole Genest ◽  
Lise Gauvin ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTSeveral studies have demonstrated the efficacy of falls-prevention programs designed for community-dwelling seniors using randomized designs. However, little is known about the feasibility of implementing these programs under natural conditions and about the success of these programs when delivered under such conditions. The objectives of this paper are to (a) describe a multifactorial falls-prevention program (called Stand Up!) designed for independent community-dwelling seniors and (b) present the results of an analysis of the practicability of implementing this program in community-based settings. The program was implemented in the context of an effectiveness study in 10 community-based organizations in the Montreal metropolitan area. Data pertaining to the reach and delivery of the program as well as participation level show that a falls-prevention program addressing multiple risk factors can be successfully implemented in community-based settings.

Author(s):  
Gabrielle Scronce ◽  
Wanqing Zhang ◽  
Matthew Lee Smith ◽  
Vicki Stemmons Mercer

This was a retrospective analysis of quasi-longitudinal data from an ongoing, community-based falls prevention program. The purpose was to identify participant characteristics predicting improvement on physical performance measures associated with falls risk. Community-dwelling older adults ≥60 years old participated in a community-based implementation of the Otago Exercise Program (OEP). Participants with increased falls risk (n = 353) were provided with individualized exercises from OEP and were invited to return for monthly follow-up. One hundred twenty-eight participants returned for at least two follow-up visits within 6 months of their initial visit (mean time to second follow-up = 93 days with standard deviation = 43 days). Outcome measures assessed at initial and all follow-up visits included Four Stage Balance Test (4SBT), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and Chair Rise Test (CRT). Distributions were examined, and results were categorized to depict improvement from initial visit (IVT) to second follow-up visit (F2). Key predictor variables were included in multivariable linear or logistic regression models. Improved 4SBT performance was predicted by greater balance confidence. Better TUG performance at F2 was predicted by no use of assistive device for walking, higher scores on cognitive screening, and better IVT TUG performance. Improvement on CRT was predicted by younger age and lower scores on cognitive screening. While improvements on each of the three measures were predicted by a unique combination of variables, these variables tended to be associated with less frailty.


2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 480-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Laforest ◽  
Anne Pelletier ◽  
Lise Gauvin ◽  
Yvonne Robitaille ◽  
Michel Fournier ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 827-845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Robitaille ◽  
Michel Fournier ◽  
Sophie Laforest ◽  
Lise Gauvin ◽  
Johanne Filiatrault ◽  
...  

Objectives: To examine the effect of a fall prevention program offered under real-world conditions on balance maintenance several months after the program. To explore the program’s impact on falls. Method: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among community-dwelling seniors, with pre- and postintervention measures of balance performance and self-reported falls. Ten community-based organizations offered the intervention (98 participants) and 7 recruited participants to the study’s control arm (102 participants). An earlier study examined balance immediately after the 12-week program. The present study focuses on the 12-month effect. Linear regression (balance) and negative binomial regression (falls) procedures were performed.falls. Results: During the 12-month study period, experimental participants improved and maintained their balance as reflected by their scores on three performance tests. There was no evidence of an effect on falls.falls. Discussion: Structured group exercise programs offered in community-based settings can maintain selected components of balance for several months after the program’s end.


2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 445-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuzhong Li ◽  
Peter Harmer ◽  
Karin A. Mack ◽  
David Sleet ◽  
K. John Fisher ◽  
...  

Background:This study was designed to develop an evidence- and community-based falls prevention program—Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance.Methods:A mixed qualitative and quantitative approach was used to develop a package of materials for program implementation and evaluation. The developmental work was conducted in 2 communities in the Pacific Northwest. Participants included a panel of experts, senior service program managers or activity coordinators, and older adults. Outcome measures involved program feasibility and satisfaction.Results:Through an iterative process, a program package was developed. The package contained an implementation plan and class training materials (ie, instructor’s manual, videotape, and user’s guidebook). Pilot testing of program materials showed that the content was appropriate for the targeted users (community-living older adults) and providers (local senior service organizations). A feasibility survey indicated interest and support from users and providers for program implementation. A 2-week pilot evaluation showed that the program implementation was feasible and evidenced good class attendance, high participant satisfaction, and interest in continuing Tai Chi.Conclusions:The package of materials developed in this study provides a solid foundation for larger scale implementation and evaluation of the program in community settings.


2008 ◽  
Vol 89 (10) ◽  
pp. 1948-1957 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanne Filiatrault ◽  
Lise Gauvin ◽  
Lucie Richard ◽  
Yvonne Robitaille ◽  
Sophie Laforest ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S807-S807
Author(s):  
Cristine B Henage ◽  
Ellen C Schneider ◽  
Ellen Roberts ◽  
Vicki Tilley ◽  
Jan Busby-Whitehead

Abstract Sustaining collaboration across multiple community-based organizations (CBOs) creates synergies and economies of scale to support age-friendly communities beyond the provision of direct services any single CBO can achieve. The Carolina Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (CGWEP) created and sustained multiple statewide coalitions focused on geriatrics syndromes. More than 290 CBOs, including Area Health Education Centers, social services programs and nongovernmental organizations, meet quarterly to form linkages, promote education and build infrastructure to support rural and underserved older adults. Shared governance with pooled resources has been achieved because of a long history of partnership, mutually beneficial relationships, flexibility, and frequent communication. The strength of the partnership is evidenced by continued growth in number of CBOs, number of sponsored events, and number of referrals to CBOs. Two coalitions, focused on falls prevention and mental health respectively, have been adopted by partners and sustained beyond grant funding.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (9) ◽  
pp. 1044-1054 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tianma Xu ◽  
Kate O’Loughlin ◽  
Lindy Clemson ◽  
Natasha A. Lannin ◽  
Catherine Dean ◽  
...  

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. A540-A541
Author(s):  
JA Molina ◽  
NH Ismail ◽  
BH Heng ◽  
IY Leong

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