Files
Download Poster (11.5 MB)
Abstract
As the number of older adults continues to rise, falling in older adults has become a national health care issue. Many older adults who fall reside in assisted living facilities. Every time a fall incident occurs, first responders are called, utilizing a significant amount of first responder’s time and resources. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to implement a fall prevention program for residents of an assisted living facility (ALF) to reduce fall risk and fall-related calls to the local fire department. The project consisted of a four-week course given once weekly for 60 minutes to residents at an ALF. Course content was evidence-based and included information on the role of occupational therapy in fall prevention, strength and balance exercises, environmental fall risks, and how hydration, nutrition, vitamin D intake, bone health, and medication management impact fall risk. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, indicating that participants found the information helpful and relevant. Occupational therapists and other health professionals can play an important role in the education of residents and staff of ALFs to increase awareness of fall risks, promote health and well-being among older adults, and help decrease fall-related calls to first responders.
Department
Occupational Therapy
Faculty Advisor
Ruth Ramsey, Ed.D, OTR/L
Publication Date
Fall 2015
Sponsorship/Conference/Institution
2015 Occupational Therapy Association of California 39th Annual Conference
City
Sacramento, CA
Keywords
Falls, older adults, assisted living facilities, fall prevention, educational intervention, first responders
Disciplines
Occupational Therapy