Falls Prevention Outreach

The brochure, created with Adobe illustrator and photoshop, was instrumental in reaching underserved, homebound seniors in the Tri-City Area of Fremont, Newark and Union City who have fallen or have a fear of falling and who might benefit from the program. Brochures were also distributed in doctor’s offices at Kaiser Permanente and Washington hospitals. Discharge planners and doctors at these facilities have referred seniors to this program.

The Falls Prevention Program is available, at no cost, to frail, home-bound seniors in the Tri-City Area. Since its inception, LIFE ElderCare’s multi-factorial Falls Prevention Program has been successful. Our last session revealed a 9.2% improvement in mobility after enrollment in the in-home exercise program. In prior sessions results have been as high as 29%. Results vary depending on the frailty of the seniors enrolled, from large increases in mobility to simply maintaining mobility. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, “relative rate reductions of 9% in serious fall-related injuries and 11% in fall-related use of medical services represent a successful translation from research to clinical practice”.

The 12 week sessions begin with an overall health assessment and a gait and balance test administered by a physical therapist assistant. Based on the test, a personalized exercise routine is created. Through LIFE ElderCare’s partnership with Unitek College’s Nursing Department, student nurses visit seniors who are enrolled in the program and work with them on their exercise routine. The students help motivate seniors and provide educational information regarding the overall benefits of exercises, dehydration, home safety, and medication review.

Over the past 4 years, 748 new clients have enrolled in the in-home exercise program and 311 clients returned for additional sessions. The benefit of this program for seniors is continued independent living as well as quality of life. Hospitalization or premature placement in a long-term health care facility due to falls results in increased medical costs and deterioration of quality of life.

Continuous outreach using the brochure will help LIFE ElderCare reach even more seniors, increase awareness and participation in the Falls Prevention Program. Seniors will be better informed about making healthy lifestyle choices, the benefits of exercise and mobility, and about safety in the home environment. This knowledge and understanding is critical in developing a holistic Falls Prevention Program to help seniors remain mobile, resulting in improved quality of life.