Community Based Strategies Community Based Strategies for Falls Preventionfor Falls Prevention

Jane L. Wetzel PT, PhDDepartment of Physical Therapy

Youngstown State University

ChallengesChallenges

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?

FALL RISK

Sensation

Vision

Musculoskeletal

Vestibular

Cutaneous Lt TouchProprioceptionTwo pt discriminationVibration Sense

CataractsGlassesDepth PerceptionGlaucomaM DegenerationPeripheral VisionVisual Acuity

Vestibular hair cell Vestibular n. fibersChange in VOR

Change in bone densityM. timing/sequencingFlexibility/ROM m. enduranceChange in postureWeakness

Whitney: APTA Balance and Postural Control Update. 2009

American Geriatric Society Recommendations for Fall American Geriatric Society Recommendations for Fall PreventionPrevention

Referrals to Address Referrals to Address ProblemsProblems

EMS – Central Ohio Trauma as modelAcute Care SettingSkilled Nursing Facility/RehabilitationOutpatient Setting

Current strategyDescribe what is happening in the

Mahoning Valley Region. Identify levels how fall prevention is

being addressed.Develop regional brochure via COTA

Support for Resource Support for Resource BrochureBrochureSue A. Morris, BA, EMT-P, CEI

EMS & 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

Interventions and Interventions and Resources 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

Copied c Permission from Terry Shea PT,GCS, NCS

Community Partners as Community Partners as ResourcesResources

Patient AdherencePatient AdherenceWhat 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

Patient Incentives Patient Incentives ExampleExample 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

Funding StrategyFunding StrategyThe 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