Rhode Island Voices for Better Health Project Conducted First of Three Training Sessions on Falls Pr

Martha Watson, Advanced Nurse Practice Manager at Miriam Hospital and Geriatric Provider Advocate for the Rhode Island Voices for Better Health project, recently conducted the first of three training sessions with a group of nurse case managers on falls prevention for the older adult population at the Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (NHPRI). NHPRI is currently serving the long-term care needs of dual eligibles, and is expected to be part of Rhode Island’s forthcoming duals demonstration project. Along the same dialogue of falls prevention, Audrey Chun writes about a proven strategy of catching falls before they happen. Both are Geriatric Provider Advocates in the Hartford Foundation's grant with Community Catalyst who are trying to make sure that health plans and providers serving dual eligible Medicare-Medicaid populations receive high quality geriatric care.

With older adults living longer and the costs of health care continuing to rise, it is critical to take steps to prevent conditions that become increasingly common as people age. Preventing falls among older adults is one key health promotion strategy that warrants greater attention. Fortunately, there is a lot that can be done to recognize and prevent the risks of falling.

In Rhode Island, Martha Watson, Advanced Nurse Practice Manager at Miriam Hospital and Geriatric Provider Advocate for the Rhode Island Voices for Better Health project, recently conducted the first of three training sessions with a group of nurse case managers on falls prevention for the older adult population at the Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (NHPRI). NHPRI is currently serving the long-term care needs of dual eligibles, and is expected to be part of Rhode Island’s forthcoming duals demonstration project. Other relevant resources that were shared at this training are: Falls Change Package and Falls Summary Guide.

"Not all falls can be prevented," Audrey Chun, MD, writes in an article in the "The Dual Agenda" newsletter from Community Catalyst. "Still, the risk and seriousness of falls can be significantly reduced with proper awareness, planning and treatment."

According to Chun, who is Vice Chair for Clinical Services in the Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, and Director of Coffey Geriatrics at the Martha Stewart Center for Living at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, conversations between physicians and older adults about fall prevention and concerns is a major aspect of reducing fall risk. First, physicians and other care workers can help identify and improve problems like difficulty with balance and vision trouble, as well as review current medications to ensure proper dosages. In addition, physicians may suggest physical therapy or balance and strength exercises that may help improve mobility. They may also recommend the use of mobility devices like canes and walkers when appropriate.

Finally, physicians can help make older adults aware of tripping hazards in their homes, such as throw rugs, extension cords and raised floor surfaces and encourage the installation of grab bars and railings in the home. These are just some of the steps that can be taken when physicians and older adults work together to prevent falls and they highlight the importance of having the conversation about falls early on as an effective prevention strategy.

To read the full article from "The Dual Agenda" newsletter, click here.