The purpose of this doctoral capstone experience and project was to explore and evaluate the role of occupational therapy in a community-based falls prevention program. The goal of the program was to address falls prevention among community-dwelling older adults to increase their ability to safely engage in meaningful occupations and remain in their homes. A doctor of occupational therapy student completed this program as part of the doctoral capstone experience with members of a senior's program at a local non-profit community center. The program was based on B. Howard's My Safe and Sound Plan: For Staying Falls-Free (2018), which is an evidenced-based falls prevention guide. Each of the six sessions consisted of education, demonstrations, and interactive activities. At the conclusion of the program, 90% of the participants demonstrated an increase in understanding of how to prevent falls and 80% plan to make changes to decrease their fall risk. To ensure sustainability of the program, staff members received education and resources on falls prevention to provide to future members. After completion of the program, it was concluded that an occupational therapist led falls prevention program in a community-based setting is effective for increasing older adults' awareness of how to prevent falls and decrease fall risk.

Creator

• Nale, Shannon

Contributors

• Bednarski, Julie

Publisher

• University of Indianapolis

Language

• en

Identifier

• Nale.Shannon.pdf

Keyword

• Health Sciences

• Occupational Therapy

Date created

• 2018-05

Rights statement

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/