Fall Prevention

Programs that are designed to increase public awareness of the risk factors associated with trips, slips and falls by older adults and others in and around their homes and the measures that can be taken prevent their occurrence. Delivery formats may include fact sheets, safety check lists or other informational materials; individual or group educational sessions which may include strength and balance exercises; and general media campaigns. The programs may address illnesses and other physical conditions that affect mobility and balance; “high-risk” medications or medication combinations that may cause drowsiness; lack or improper use of needed mobility aids; proper versus improper footwear; environmental safety hazards such as unsafe or unlighted stairways, uneven or slippery walking surfaces, obstacles such as throw rugs and exposed cords or wires, unsteady furniture or lack of grab bars and handrails; and other similar factors.

Programs that contact frail elderly individuals, people with disabilities or others who are vulnerable by telephone on a regular basis to ensure their good health and safety, and to reassure them that help is available if and when they need it.

Programs that provide electronic equipment which connects frail elderly individuals, people who have disabilities or people at risk of violence from an ex-partner with the police, participating hospitals, paramedics or other sources of emergency assistance.

Programs that maintain information about community resources that are appropriate for a specific target group or human services sector (for example, youth programs or addiction services) and which link individuals who are in need of specialized services with appropriate resources and/or which provide information about community agencies and organizations that offer specialized services.

Programs that offer a general program of exercise for people who are concerned about maintaining their physical fitness which may include walking, stretching and other similar activities.

Rehabilitation oriented fitness programs that develop individualized exercise routines and other fitness activities for people with acute or chronic health conditions such as arthritis, congestive heart failure, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, physical disabilities or other problems which affect their physical functioning with the objective of mitigating the effects of their condition; improving muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health; losing weight, if desirable; and reducing the risk of health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and depression. Included are gym and home based therapeutic exercise programs and aquatic therapy.

Programs, often for older adults, which organize groups of people to participate in walking in parks, shopping malls or other settings for purposes of physical fitness.

Programs that offer the services of paraprofessional aides who provide assistance with personal hygiene (bathing, grooming and mouth care), clothing care, ambulation, seating, toileting, housekeeping (changing bed linens or other chores that are essential to the individual’s health and comfort), food preparation and nutritional and environmental support for recently discharged hospital patients, elderly people and people with disabilities in their own homes or other settings. Personal care may also include supervision which involves cueing, reminding, prompting or directing daily activities, as needed, but does not include medical services.

Programs that offer the services of workers who go into people’s homes and help with house cleaning chores.

Programs that prepare and regularly deliver meals to older adults, people with disabilities and others who have difficulties shopping and/or preparing food for themselves or traveling to a site where a meal is being served.

Programs that pay for or provide leaf raking, lawn care (including mowing, hedging and weeding) and general yard cleanup services (including trash and other debris removal) for people who need or want assistance.

Programs that provide comprehensive preventive, diagnostic and treatment or management services for individuals of all ages who are troubled by total or partial loss of bowel or bladder control. Services may include a complete work-up to determine the cause of the individual’s incontinence; selection of a treatment option which may involve pelvic floor exercises, drug therapy or surgical intervention; development of an incontinence management routine should the condition be only partially remediable; and information and support for family members and other caregivers who may need to deal with practical health issues such as skin care, dehydration and prevention of bed sores.

Programs that pay for or provide adult diapers and other garments, bedding protection, control devices and alarm systems to help people who have bowel or urination control problems deal with their situation.

Programs that maintain a comprehensive collection of medical equipment and supplies for use in the home and make it available to people who need it, generally on a rental purchase basis.

Programs that identify physical barriers or other problems in the home and recommend suitable adaptations to improve accessibility. In some cases, staff are available to consult with architects and contractors during the planning and construction phases of a home modification project.

Programs that provide cash assistance for people who need to make essential repairs to their homes in order to eliminate health or safety hazards or improve their security. Most grant programs cover major repairs, system upgrades and replacements (e.g., plumbing, heating or electrical systems) but not minor repairs. Age, income, disability or other eligibility requirements may apply.

Programs that provide loans to qualified people with disabilities who want to install ramps or elevators, widen doorways, install grab bars in showers and bathrooms, lower kitchen and other cabinets or make other modifications in their homes in order to make them more accessible.

Programs that provide assistance in the form of labor and supplies for people with disabilities who need to modify multilevel homes or homes that have entrances preceded by steps in order to make them accessible by installing sloping walkways which transcend the levels.

Programs that provide assistance in the form of labor and supplies for people with disabilities who need to restructure their bathrooms in order to make bath, shower and toilet facilities accessible.