Barriers to implementation of falls prevention programs at senior centers

Purpose: Falls are the leading cause of unintentional home injury death among older adults in the United States. Multifaceted programs are effective in reducing falls among older adults but may require a level of resources and skill unavailable at many senior centers. This study examined the perceived need for and barriers to implementation of falls prevention programs in senior centers. Methods: A telephone interview was conducted between June and November, 2006 with a national sample of 507 senior centers, representative of urbanicity and resident population at least 60 years of age.Information was obtained about center resources, need for falls prevention education, and need for training and administrative support to deliver a falls prevention program. Descriptive analyses were conducted.Results: Senior center activities directors felt the need for falls prevention information for older adults was high (Mean 8.29, on a 1-10 scale), although less than half of the centers surveyed reported using a falls prevention program (44%). Primary barriers to implementing falls prevention programs were inadequate staff and staff time to deliver such programs, lack of knowledge and experience in delivering falls prevention information, and perceived lack of senior interest in the topic. Additionally, more than 50% of respondents identified inadequate resources, such as funding and community collaborations, to offer comprehensive programs. Conclusion: Understanding the limitations of senior center resources provides guidance for development of targeted strategies that may make for more successful dissemination of comprehensive health promotion programs, including falls prevention.