Centralina Participates in Falls Prevention Program

Fall risks impact everyone from infancy into older age. From the moment babies take their first steps to running errands as an older adult, fall risks exist. However, older and disabled adults are affected more by the potential effects of falls. A fall can be a gateway to other problems, leading to a decline in health. In response, Centralina worked to pilot the Healthy Homes Fall Prevention Program that focuses on fall prevention education and home modifications for adults aged 55-65 with a history of falls or fractures, visual impairment or use of medications which may cause impairment.

By the Numbers

Green and Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI) will coordinate the delivery of evidence-based services with providers, including Centralina AAA, to improve health outcomes and equity while reducing healthcare utilization and costs. In total, the program is anticipated to serve 900 residents in the following counties: Mecklenburg, Union, New Hanover, Brunswick, Forsyth, Guilford, Wake, Durham and Orange. Centralina Area Agency on Aging will serve around 200 older adults – 100 in Mecklenburg County and an additional 100 in Union County – as a service provider. 

Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Director, Linda Miller, shares, “Centralina is excited to be part of this program as we share fall prevention and wellness goals.” 

The Services

Healthy Homes Fall Prevention Program services will include a home inspection and fall prevention education visit, follow up visits to reinforce fall prevention education and home inspection findings, home modifications, a quality assurance visit and follow up calls at three- and six-months post intervention to measure effectiveness. Centralina AAA and Centralina Community Economic Development staff will conduct the environmental assessments, home visits and provide fall prevention education. Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity is partnering with Centralina to install needed home modifications.

The Healthy Homes Fall Prevention Program will give peace of mind to individuals by knowing their home is a safe place to fall should the situation arise. They will also have the comfort of having prior knowledge in how to prevent falling in their home. For more information on this program, please contact Centralina AAA Aging Specialist Molly O’Day at moday@centralina.org or 704-385-4461.