Abstract
A 3-month multifactorial fall prevention program was provided to 72 frail older adults attending an adult health day care center. A treatment control group design was used, with data collected at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Treatment consisted of a physical therapy assessment, 3-month exercise program, home hazards assessment, and fall prevention education. At 6 months, the treatment group significantly reduced their falls to 21.7% falling, compared to 46.2% for the control group. Home hazards were also significantly reduced by 50%. At 3 months, the treatment participants improved on 2 of the 4 strength and performance measures, but these gains were lost by the 6-month time period. Authors conclude that a fall prevention program with multiple components is beneficial for very frail older adults.