Falls Prevention: The Balance For Life Program

Older Adult   Professional   Volunteer

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Balance for Life: Helping Northeast Florida Seniors Prevent Falls by Remaining Active and Independent is a new initiative between United Way of Northeast Florida and Brooks Rehabilitation that is dedicated to reducing the risk of falls experienced by area seniors. The program employs assessment tools, educational outreach, and exercises seniors can do at home in order to help reduce the risk for falling.

There is a demonstrated need locally for fall prevention services. Statistics show that Northeast Florida fall hospitalization rates were 37% higher than the state as a whole between 2000 and 2004 and 47% higher than the rest of the nation. Seniors are much more likely to suffer a fall than the younger population. Nationally 87% to 95% of all hospitalizations due to fall-related injuries occurred among persons over the age of 65.^[1]

During the first year pilot program we are visiting senior centers, retirement communities, faith groups, YMCA’s and other groups and organizations that work with older adults. We are providing falls risk assessments at these sites and we are also conducting assessments for frail seniors at hospitals.

This program was launched in a geographic area of Jacksonville bounded by the St. John Rivers on the West and North, Butler Blvd on the South and the Intracoastal Waterway on the East. It includes zip codes 32207, 32216, 32211, 32225, 32224 and 32277. A geographic expansion and additional services is planned for the future.

5 Year Community Goals

1. Reduce hospitalizations due to falls by 10%
2. Reduce hip fracture hospitalizations by 10%
   

Program Activities

• Assessment Tools

  1. Assessment Activities

     Assessments are conducted using five stations. Station 1 includes an introductory education questionnaire where participants are asked questions to identify their potential risk of falling at home.
     
     At Station 2, participants are assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) assessment which is a preliminary screening tool to identify the participant's risk of falling. Its is base on how fast they can walk 3 meters and back. During the wait between the Timed Up and Go assessment and meeting with the physical therapist either a Tai Chi demonstration occurs or a medication management component is included.
     
     At Station 3, the participants meet individually with a physical therapist where an in-depth fall risk assessment is conducted.
     
     After meeting and going through the entire process with the physical therapist the participant is transitioned to Station 4 where, based on their level of risk, the YMCA trainers demonstrates 3 specific exercises they could do at home to increase balance. Participants are also given a handout of the 3 exercises.
     
     At our final step, an exit questionnaire is given where participants give their opinions about the assessment and if it alleviated their fear of falling. Further resources such as a United Way/Brooks educational brochure, an Exercise Guide by the NIH, flyers on the importance of footwear and other such resources are also provided to the participant.
     
     
  2. Information for the older adult
     
     

  3. Educational Outreach

     • Educational Activities: Agencies and companies who are interested in hosting a seminar regarding falls prevention can contact Lale.
     • Opportunities to volunteer: We are looking for skilled public speakers and trainers to facilitate falls prevention seminars. Contact Lale.

  4. Exercise

     1. Details of exercise program (YMCA) *
     2. Opportunities to volunteer
        • Tai Chi instructors: Opportunities for experienced instructors to teach Tai Chi to older adults at risk for falling. Contact Lale.
        • Exercise physiologists: Opportunities are available for exercise physiologists to provide balance and strength training. Contact Lale.
          

  5. What can I do at home to Prevent Falls?

     1. Home Assessment
     2. Exercises at home *

Ways to get Involved

1. Medical professionals: We are looking for physical therapists, pharmacists and nurses to assist us in this program. Contact Lale.
2. Students: Opportunities are available for students in community health, nursing and the exercise sciences. Contact Lale.
3. General Public

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* Check with your doctor prior to starting any exercise program.

¹ "Preventing Injurious Geriatric Falls in Duval County and Northeast Florida". Elder Care Companies, Incorporated: Fall Prevention Services, Strategies & Technologies. p. 2. <http://www.eldercarecompanies.com>.

For more information, please contact Lale Gerger at 904-390-3224 or LaleG@uwnefl.org