Fall Prevention Programs

Last week we discussed the need for a multidiscipline approach to fall prevention.  This week, we will be highlighting one fall prevention program, Life Assess.  The Life Assess program is offered by Holy Redeemer Home care, a home health agency that services individuals in southern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  The program is for adults age 85 and older who have 4 specific syndromes, falls, depression, dementia, and urinary incontinence.  The goal of the program is to identify and treat these older individuals to help them remain at home safely and independently while at the same time preventing/delaying placement outside of the home such as a nursing home

As part of the assessment, the clinician who may include a nurse, physical therapist (PT), occupational therapist (OT), or speech therapist, assesses areas that include the individual’s home, mental status, medical issues, finances, and religious and cultural factors.  A fall risk assessment is also performed.   Clinicians teach and train the individuals and their family members/caregivers information based on assessment results.  They also help them identify possible safety issues in the home and help them problem solve and distribute educational information.  To learn more about the program, click here and here