N Peel1, M Steinberg, G Williams. 1. Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Queensland Medical School, Herston. n.peel@spmed.uq.edu.au
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Home safety assessment was examined as part of a randomised trial of falls prevention interventions among older community dwellers. METHOD: Falls prevention strategies, including education and awareness-raising, exercise, home modifications and medical assessment, were trialed with 252 members of the National Seniors Association. Falls outcomes were monitored using a daily calendar diary during intervention and follow-up periods. RESULTS: The home assessment group was significantly more likely to modify their home environment than the controls (p < 0.0001). Participants, regardless of group allocation, reported a significant reduction in concern about falling (p < 0.0001). During the intervention, the home assessment group had lower incidence rates for falls and injuries than the control group, although differences were not significant. The lowered rates were sustained post-intervention. CONCLUSIONS: While the effect on falls incidence of a home safety intervention on its own could not be demonstrated, other benefits, including improved confidence attributable to awareness of such falls prevention measures, were recorded. IMPLICATIONS: The null effects of home modifications on falls prevention in this study may indicate that the program is more appropriate for the frail aged.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: Home safety assessment was examined as part of a randomised trial of falls prevention interventions among older community dwellers. METHOD: Falls prevention strategies, including education and awareness-raising, exercise, home modifications and medical assessment, were trialed with 252 members of the National Seniors Association. Falls outcomes were monitored using a daily calendar diary during intervention and follow-up periods. RESULTS: The home assessment group was significantly more likely to modify their home environment than the controls (p < 0.0001). Participants, regardless of group allocation, reported a significant reduction in concern about falling (p < 0.0001). During the intervention, the home assessment group had lower incidence rates for falls and injuries than the control group, although differences were not significant. The lowered rates were sustained post-intervention. CONCLUSIONS: While the effect on falls incidence of a home safety intervention on its own could not be demonstrated, other benefits, including improved confidence attributable to awareness of such falls prevention measures, were recorded. IMPLICATIONS: The null effects of home modifications on falls prevention in this study may indicate that the program is more appropriate for the frail aged.
Authors: Marian T Hannan; Margaret M Gagnon; Jasneet Aneja; Richard N Jones; L Adrienne Cupples; Lewis A Lipsitz; Elizabeth J Samelson; Suzanne G Leveille; Douglas P Kiel Journal: Am J Epidemiol Date: 2010-04-01 Impact factor: 4.897
Authors: Samantha Turner; Geri Arthur; Ronan A Lyons; Alison L Weightman; Mala K Mann; Sarah J Jones; Ann John; Simon Lannon Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2011-02-16
Authors: Lesley D Gillespie; M Clare Robertson; William J Gillespie; Catherine Sherrington; Simon Gates; Lindy M Clemson; Sarah E Lamb Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2012-09-12