Preventing Falls: How to Develop Community-based Fall Prevention Programs for Older Adults

This “how-to” guide is designed for community-based organizations who are interested in developing their own effective fall prevention programs. This guide is designed to be a practical and useful tool, and it provides guidelines on program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation.

In this document, CDC provides organizations with the building blocks of effective fall prevention programs by providing examples, resources, and tips. Program components described in the guide include the following:

• Education
• Exercise programs
• Medication management
• Vision checking and improvement
• Home hazard assessment and modification

This guide also includes helpful information on building and maintaining community partnerships and promoting, evaluating, and sustaining fall prevention programs. The appendices include practical assessments, worksheets, presentations, and templates.