Fall Risk Identification and Management for Older Veterans

Study Summary

Falls are a common occurrence among older adults, and Veterans have an even higher risk of falling compared to non-Veterans. These falls often lead to severe health consequences, including traumatic brain injuries, hip fractures, emergency visits, hospitalizations, and even death. It is crucial to prioritize fall prevention in order to reduce injuries and enable older Veterans to age comfortably at home. Although current fall prevention programs in the Veterans Health Administration primarily focus on inpatient care and nursing homes, there is a pressing need to address falls among older Veterans living independently in the community. The proposed VA-specific Fall Risk Identification and Management (FRIM) model aims to proactively prevent falls in older Veterans who receive primary care, effectively reducing the occurrence of adverse health events associated with falls. By placing emphasis on prevention rather than reacting after falls have already happened, this initiative seeks to significantly enhance the overall well-being of older Veterans.

Primary Outcome

Participant recruitment will be tracked as part of feasibility. It will be determined as the proportion of Veterans screened as eligible that are recruited.

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• OTHER Strengthening (Physical Therapy, Gerofit)
• OTHER Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Clinical Psychology, Occupational Therapy)
• OTHER Medication Reconciliation (Clinical Pharmacology)
• OTHER Home Safety Modification (Occupational Therapy)

Study Locations (1)