A Comprehensive, Home-Based, Fall Prevention Initiative: Preliminary Data From the Raise'Age Program

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Emergency Medical Services

Background:

• Falls in older adults are a significant health risk, often preventable, yet many individuals do not seek medical attention.
• The Raise'Age program offers proactive fall prevention for older adults requiring "lift assistance" who are not hospitalized.
• The program integrates emergency medical services (EMS) screening, geriatric assessment referrals, mobile geriatric team (MGT) in-home evaluations, and primary care physician (PCP) referrals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the design, development, and implementation of the Raise'Age fall prevention program.
• To assess the program's operational effectiveness and identify challenges in its initial implementation phase.

Main Methods:

• Assessed program activities in 2023, focusing on EMS fall reports, report completeness, and eligibility.
• Evaluated physician and patient acceptance, in-home assessment rates, adherence to geriatric follow-up, and coordination delays.
• Analyzed data on the number of fall reports, screening processes, and patient engagement with the MGT and community services.

Main Results:

• In 2023, 959 reports were received (48% of lift assistances), with 37% reviewed for eligibility; many were archived due to irrelevance or logistical issues.
• Of eligible cases, 77% were approved for in-home evaluations; 150 out of 228 eligible patients accepted home visits, with higher acceptance when endorsed by a PCP.
• Median processing time was 26 days; 36% received follow-up (primarily teleconsultation), and 15.6% of referred patients completed the program.

Conclusions:

• EMS screening and MGT collaboration are feasible for fall prevention in older adults, though patient acceptance and program completion require attention.
• Continuous evaluation and intervention by MGTs, alongside referrals to community-based medical and social services, are crucial for addressing older adults' needs.
• The program highlights the potential for integrated care models to improve fall prevention outcomes for vulnerable elderly populations.