Intervention to Prevent Falls: Community-Based Clinics

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to document results of State funded fall prevention clinics on rates of self-reported falls and fall-related use of health services. Methods: Older adults participated in community-based fall prevention clinics providing individual assessments, interventions, and referrals to collaborating community providers. A pre–post design compares self-reported 6-month fall history and fall-related use of health care before and after clinic attendance. Results: Participants (N = 751) were predominantly female (82%) averaging 81 years of age reporting vision (75%) and mobility (57%) difficulties. Assessments revealed polypharmacy (54%), moderate- to high-risk mobility issues (39%), and postural hypotension (10%). Self-reported preclinic fall rates were 256/751(34%) and postclinic rates were 81/751 (10.8%), (p =.0001). Reported use of fall-related health services, including hospitalization, was also significantly lower after intervention. Implications: Evidence-based assessments, risk-reducing recommendations, and referrals that include convenient exercise opportunities may reduce falls and utilization of health care services. Estimates regarding health care spending and policy are presented.