Falls Prevention in Older Home Care Recipients

Effect of a Falls-prevention Exercise Program on Health-related Quality of Life in Older Fallers Receiving Home Care. A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a falls-prevention exercise programme on health-related quality of life, fear of falling, falls and physical function in older people receiving home care. Participants in the intervention group perform the Otago exercise programme. Participants in the control group continue their usual activities.

Falls and falls-related injuries are considered a serious public health issue in the older population. Strength and balance exercise in combination with information about falls prevention seems to be effective in reducing falls, but less is known about the effect of this kind of intervention on quality of life. This randomized controlled trial investigates the effect of a falls prevention program on health-related quality of life, fear of falling, falls and physical function in community-dwelling older people who receive home care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• has fallen at least one time in the last 12 months
• receives home-help services
• able to walk independently indoors with or without walking aid

Exclusion Criteria:

• medical contraindication to exercise
• life expectancy <1 year
• scores under 23 points on Mini Mental Scale Examination
• participating in another falls prevention programme during the 12 weeks of the programme, for example a falls prevention group