BEYOND FALLS: HOW DO FALL PREVENTION PROGRAMS BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY?
2024

Benefits of Fall Prevention Programs for Communities

Sample size: 12 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): VanderWerf Jess

Primary Institution: University of South Florida

Hypothesis

How do fall prevention programs benefit the community?

Conclusion

The study found that fall prevention programs significantly reduce 911 calls and improve community resource management.

Supporting Evidence

  • 65.22% of CARES program participants did not make any 911 calls post-enrollment.
  • There was a 25.43% reduction in total calls among those who still made calls.
  • The Co-Responders Program led to a 54% decrease in calls from a sub-sample of individuals.

Takeaway

Fall prevention programs help older people stay safe and reduce the number of emergency calls, which helps the community.

Methodology

Mixed methods research analyzing community surveys and data from counties and the state.

Limitations

Further research is needed to understand long-term impacts and standardize program effectiveness.

Participant Demographics

Older adults in Marion and Pinellas Counties, Florida.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2858

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