Multi-component fall prevention interventions for older adults

There is strong evidence that multi-component fall prevention interventions reduce the rate of falls and the risk of falling among older adults^{1, 5, 6, 7}. 

Multi-component interventions have been shown to reduce falls in community and clinical settings¹. Such efforts can reduce the rate and risk of falls for older adults who live independently in the community, and may also benefit those living in care facilities^{1, 8}. Including an exercise component, particularly exercises that improve balance, may further reduce fall rates^{1, 6}. Combining exercise and vision assessments with treatment may reduce injury rates⁶.

Multi-component interventions tailored to individual’s needs have consistently been shown to reduce falls for older adults in community settings⁷. Interventions that include home visits and correct home hazards also reduce fall risk for community-dwelling older adults without cognitive impairments⁸. Multi-component interventions that include calcium and vitamin D supplements have been shown to reduce falls^{6, 8} and fractures for older adults in community settings⁶.

Exercise-related multi-component interventions in care facilities benefit patients with cognitive impairments more than those without impairments⁸.

The National Council on Aging’s National Falls Prevention Resource Center supports fall prevention programs across the country and coordinates the Falls Free Initiative, which includes 50 state-level coalitions along with one in Washington, D.C.^{9, 10}. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) older adult fall prevention program, STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, & Injuries), provides tools and educational materials for patients and providers on how to prevent falls¹¹.

A Matter of Balance is a nationally recognized fall prevention program for older adults that teaches participants how to reduce their fall risk at home through exercises to improve strength and balance¹².