Abstract:

Falls are a major source of death and injury among older adults. This brief looks at the effect of home modifications and other preventive measures to reduce falls. However it is difficult to determine from existing research the extent to which home modification alone leads to fall reduction, the types of home modification that is most effective and the categories of persons who are most likely to benefit from home modifications. Thus, more comprehensive research that includes detailed information on residents and home features is warranted. The sensitivity analysis shows that for most public efforts that aim at fall prevention, limited funds might best be applied towards a carefully selected frail group of older persons. The research review suggests using a mixed intervention strategy that includes home modification together with exercise, education, assistive devices and other therapies.