Single-Session Evidence-Based Intervention and Fall Risk Awareness in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

To determine effects of a fall risk educational program on fall risk awareness. Methods: Twenty-five community-dwelling older adults 65 years and older attended a single-session intervention. Investigators held focus groups 1 month post-intervention. Investigators administered the Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (S-FES-I) pre-and post-intervention. Results: Raw S-FES-I scores trended toward reduced fear of falling. Older adults reported heightened awareness of fall risks and reinforcement of fall prevention behaviors. Social support and narrative storytelling helped motivate participants. Conclusion:A single-session educational program reinforced existing fall risk reduction knowledge and behaviors but was limited in its ability to prompt behavioral change.

Multidomain Integrated Exercises Decreased the Risk of Falls of Community-Dwelling Older Adults

“…In the current study, with the MDHP fall prevention training conducted in the community-based care centers, 91 older people who were originally categorized as having high risk of falls became low risk, which was about 1 in 4 being cleared from the risk of falls. Various studies using multicomponent exercise (usually consisting of functional, strength, balance, and aerobic exercises) also showed significant improvement in fall prevention; the intervention duration ranged from single session49 to 12 weeks or even longer,46–47 provided as home-based,16,48 community-based,40–42,46 long-term care institution-based,44 or hospital-based,45 all demonstrated fewer falls, better strength and balance, gait pattern, and subsequently may prevent disability, admission to hospital, or death 29,32,44,50,51. Our finding supports conductance of the MDHP program with emphasis on fall prevention at community-based care centers, for at least 1 hour per week, was effective in reducing the risk of falls.…”