Online Program

292940
Enhancing connections between community based organizations and health care using a fall prevention intervention


Sunday, November 3, 2013

Patti League, RN, Partnerhsip for Healthy Aging, MaineHealth, Portland, ME
“Enhancing connections between community based organizations and health care using a fall prevention intervention.” A Matter of Balance/Lay Leader Model (MOB) is an evidence based fall management program for community dwelling older adults. Outcomes include increased falls management, falls efficacy, reduced self reported falls, and increased activity levels. MOB utilizes a train the trainer model which enhances the ability to disseminate the program through a wide range of community organizations, public health, and health care organizations. Because of the critical role falls play in unintentional injury, and death in older adults, fall prevention is a natural target for collaboration between community organizations, health care and older adults. Health care providers can serve as critical sources of identification of fall risk and referral to community organizations that offer MOB, as well as other support services which help older adults maintain their independence. Over 35,000 older adults have participated in the program nationally. With the development of Accountable Care Organizations, this early collaboration around fall prevention programming has established relationships critical to expanded integration of community interventions and health care which focus on the older adult.

Learning Areas:

Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs

Learning Objectives:
Describe the community based fall prevention program: A Matter of Balance Identify opportunities to connect community based organizations with healthcare organization Demonstrate improved support for older adults through collaboration between community organizations and health care providers

Keyword(s): Community-Based Care, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Patti League, RN, has an extensive background in home health care. Patti has been the National Program Manager for A Matter of Balance/Volunteer Lay Leader Program since 2006 providing training and technical assistance to implement the program. A Matter of Balance currently has 1000 Master Trainers in 38 States and has reached over 40,000 older adults.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.