Proven, Research-Tests Interventions

An evidence-based fall prevention program is a proven, research-tested intervention—such as A Matter of Balance, Stepping On, or Tai Ji Quan—designed to reduce falls among older adults by improving strength, balance, and mobility, while reducing fear of falling and reducing risks associated with falls. These cost-effective programs utilize trained leaders to deliver structured, behavioral-change activities in community settings. One key element of all these evidence-based programs is the socialization and group support for participants.

Benefits

Participants often experience increased confidence and improved physical function. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) notes these programs are cost-effective and have high returns on investment for both individuals and health systems.

Cost Savings Associated with Preventing Fall in Older Minnesotans

Falls are costly and common. But most falls are preventable. And evidence-based community falls prevention programs can significantly reduce falls and falls risk factors as well as reduce the costs associated with falls. 6 months after the workshops ended, the fall rate was 69% lower than before the workshops started.

A Matter of Balance

 $7227 cost savings per participant for prevented falls.

Stepping On

 $7,359 cost savings per participant for prevented falls.

Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance

 $5075 cost savings per participant for prevented falls.

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A Matter of Balance provides practical strategies to reduce your fear of falling and increase your activity levels. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change your environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance. This class meets for eight, two-hour sessions and is led by 2 trained coaches.

MORE INFORMATION ON MATTER OF BALANCE

Walk with Ease helps you create a routine to stay active and healthy. You’ll learn a safe, relaxing and enjoyable way to make walking part of your everyday life. The class will help you increase balance, strength and walking pace; build confidence around being physically active and reduce pain and discomfort from arthritis or other health conditions. This six-week class meets at least once a week for a group walk and requires participants to walk on their own at least twice per week.

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Stepping On helps you increase self-confidence and self-control in situations where you are at risk of falling. It covers a range of topics, including risk factors, strength and balance exercises, home hazards, safe footwear, vision and falls, safety in public places, community mobility, coping after a fall, and how to initiate a medication review. This class meets for seven, two-hour sessions. Stepping On is led by 2 trained facilitators and incorporates local guest experts (PT/OT, Vison, Pharmacist, Community Safety) to enhance learning.

MORE INFORMATION ON STEPPING ON

Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is an evidence-based fall prevention program centered around a strength, balance and fitness program for adults 65 and older.

SAIL classes are offered 2-3 times a week as a one-hour class. The exercises can be done standing or sitting.

SAIL is a public-domain program, which means there are no initial site license fees and no yearly renewal fees for conducting SAIL classes. 

The foundational research study for the SAIL Program was published in the Journal of Gerontology in 2007. Older adults in the intervention group of this randomized controlled trial demonstrated significant improvements in the reduction of fall risk factors.

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Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance™ uses modified Tai Ji movements to build strength and postural control and range of motion, improve postural stability becoming more aware of body positioning and gaining control of center of gravity to prevent falls, and maintain functional capabilities that will help to remain independent. This class meets for twelve weeks for an hour each session and is led by a trained leader.

MORE INFORMATION ON TAI JI QUAN

Powerful Tools for Caregivers helps family and friends caring for older adults with long-term health conditions develop the skills and confidence to better care for themselves while caring for others. Caregivers gain skills and tools to improve self-care behaviors, manage emotions, increase self-confidence, and locating resources. This class meets for 6 weekly, 90-minute sessions led by two trained facilitators.

MORE INFORMATION ON POWERFUL TOOLS FOR CAREGIVERS