Senior Fall Prevention and Screening
- Program Link to Community Needs Assessment
- Program Description
- Goals and Objectives
- Strategy
- Baseline Information
- Medical Center's Contribution or Program Expense
- Results
- Amendments to Community Benefit Plan
Program Link to Community Needs Assessment
Falls, particularly among seniors, were identified in the 2010 Community Needs Assessment, The Health of Alameda County Cities and Places as a significant issue in our community. In 2005, 2,512 seniors sustained non-fatal falls. Alta Bates Summit initiated a community class on site, but unfortunately there was little participation, as patients could not come to the medical center. In 2009, the Fall Prevention and Screening program was developed.
Back to top
Program Description
2011 activities included 46 site visits and 131 people served. Visits included screening of fall risk, exercise and gait training.
Back to top
Goals and Objectives
The Fall Prevention and Screening Project offers outreach to individuals in our community who may otherwise not be able to easily access care by providing education, screening and appropriate intervention for those at risk of falling.
2011 Objectives included:
- Continue to offer community effective fall prevention interventions
- Make necessary changes to improve outcomes in 2011
- Increase referrals to appropriate practitioners
Back to top
Strategy
Exercise and functional activities designed to improve balance and decrease risk of falls were performed at site visits. Participants received a Fall Risk Score on the Biodex Balance System. Additionally, the following outreach was conducted: in-service to inpatient rehab staff at Summit, a meeting with the Summit ED manager, letters mailed to 45 senior and living facilities, and free fall risk screening to the Health Access community.
Back to top
Baseline Information
In 2005, 2512 seniors sustained non-fatal falls. The average cost of hospitalization due to a fall in Alameda County is $37,000. While Alta Bates Summit provided fall prevention education and screening there was clearly a need go out into the community to provide that education.
Back to top
Medical Center's Contribution or Program Expense
The Senior Fall Prevention and Screening Program is a community benefit program of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. The medical center provides personnel and an $8,000 cash contribution.
Back to top
Results
100% of participants improved in one or more of the following risk tests; Functional Reach, 30 second chair stand and timed up and go.
Back to top
Amendments to Community Benefit Plan
There may be modification and enhancement of the testing and screening moving forward, as appropriate.
Back to top
