Community Based Strategies for Falls Prevention

1. Community Based Strategies for Falls Prevention Jane L. Wetzel PT, PhD Department of Physical Therapy Youngstown State University

2. Challenges • What is currently happening within the community to preventing falls? • Assessment of Fall Risk • Referrals to Address Problems • Interventions – Resources • Adherence – Patient Accountability • What mechanisms can be offered to improve the process?

3. FALL RISK Sensation Vision Vestibular Musculoskeletal Cataracts Glasses Depth Perception Glaucoma M Degeneration Peripheral Vision Visual Acuity • Change in bone density • M. timing/sequencing • Flexibility/ROM • m. endurance • Change in posture • Weakness Vestibular hair cell Vestibular n. fibers Change in VOR • Cutaneous Lt Touch • Proprioception • Two pt discrimination • Vibration Sense Whitney: APTA Balance and Postural Control Update. 2009

4. American Geriatric Society Recommendations for Fall Prevention

6. Referrals to Address Problems • EMS – Central Ohio Trauma as model • Acute Care Setting • Skilled Nursing Facility/Rehabilitation • Outpatient Setting Current strategy • Describe what is happening in the Mahoning Valley Region. • Identify levels how fall prevention is being addressed. • Develop regional brochure via COTA

9. Support for Resource Brochure • Sue A. Morris, BA, EMT-P, CEIEMS & Trauma Program Data Manager • Office of Research and AnalysisEMS Division, Ohio Dept. of Public SafetyPH: (614) 466-8015       (800) 233-0785  [Option #5]FAX: (614) 995-7012 • samorris@dps.state.oh.us

10. Interventions and Resources • What interventions are offered? • Which resources are appropriate? Develop model based on www.safercommunities.net. • Dane County Falls Task Force • Terry Shea, PT, GCS, NCS Outpatient Neuro-Rehab University of Wisconsin Rehab Clinics

11. Copied c Permission from Terry Shea PT,GCS, NCS

14. Community Partners as Resources

15. Patient Adherence • What is the best exercise? “The one you will do!” • Remove barriers (Cost, Difficulty) • Refer to proper level/Provider education • Education to Caregivers • Potential Policy Changes • Incentives • Penalties

16. Patient Incentives Example • The 2013 MyHealth Requirements • Completion of both requirements #1 and #2 below awards $600 individual/$1,600 family deductible credit dollars.  Once items #1 and #2 are met, completion of additional healthy activities can earn you up to $400 credit dollars more (#3).  • Complete or update your MyHealth Questionnaire and its included Wellness Pledge (between Dec. 1, 2011 and Nov. 14, 2012) • Complete a biometric screening (between Dec. 1, 2007 and Nov. 14, 2012) • Ability to earn up to an additional $400 deductible credit dollars by completing approved healthy activities (between Dec. 1, 2011 and Nov. 14, 2012) • Completing healthy activities earns chances into prize drawings held throughout the year. • Drawing 3: Qualify through Nov. 14

17. Funding Strategy The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley welcomes grant applications from eligible tax-exempt organizations under Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3). Eligible organizations must be located within the Mahoning Valley Community (Mahoning and Trumbull Counties as well as surrounding areas), or provide services which contribute to the well being of the residents of the area. All grants from the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley must be consistent with one or more of the following Program Areas: • Arts, Culture, Humanities • Children • Education • Environmental and/or Animal Related • Health • Human Service • Public/Society Benefit • Religious/Charitable Purposes • Scientific Research