Evaluating an In-home Multicomponent Program to Manage Concerns About Falling in Frail Community Dwelling Older People

Evaluating the Effectiveness of an In-home Self-management Intervention to Prevent Psychological Distress in Frail Older People Living in the Community

The main objectives of this study are:

1. an effect evaluation of an in-home multicomponent cognitive behavioural program on concerns about falling and related avoidance of activity (primary outcomes), as well as disability, fall incidents (secondary outcomes) and several additional outcomes in frail community-dwelling older people,
2. a process evaluation of the feasibility of the program, with the following main outcomes: population reached, performance according to protocol, exposure and engagement, opinion on the program of participants and facilitators, perceived benefit or achievement, and experienced barriers and potential solutions, and
3. an economical evaluation on the impact of the program on healthcare utilization and related costs.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 70 years or over
• At least some concerns about falling
• At least some associated avoidance of activity
• Fair or poor perceived general health
• Living independently in the community
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cognitive impairment (a score of less than 4 on the Abbreviated Mental Test 4)
• Language or hearing problems that impede completing an interview by telephone
• Sight problems that impede completing the intervention
• Confinement to bed
• Waiting for nursing home admission
• Permanent use of a wheelchair