Open AccessA Feasibility Study of Multi-Component Fall Prevention for Homebound Older Adults Facilitated by Lay Coaches and Using a Tablet-Based, Gamified Exercise Application
Author(s) -
Namkee G. Choi,
Emma Stanmore,
Julieta Caamano,
Kelly Vences,
Nancy Gell
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of applied gerontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.857
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1552-4523
pISSN - 0733-4648
DOI - 10.1177/0733464821991024
Subject(s) - fall prevention , psychoeducation , session (web analytics) , psychology , balance (ability) , gerontology , medicine , physical therapy , suicide prevention , poison control , computer science , psychiatry , world wide web , medical emergency , intervention (counseling)
Although homebound older adults face high risk for falls, they are unable to utilize community-based fall prevention programs due to their mobility limitations. In this article, we report a feasibility study of a four-session, multicomponent fall prevention program for low-income homebound older adults using pre, post, mixed-method design. The manualized program was delivered by lay coaches who were trained and supervised by a physical therapist. The program also used an iPad-based gamified strength and balance exercise app (called KOKU) that was operable without the need to connect to the internet. Participants ( N = 28) in this study were highly receptive to the program and approved all components: psychoeducation, the KOKU app, home-safety checks, safe ambulation training, and medication review. The study showed that a brief, multi-component fall prevention program for homebound older adults is feasible and acceptable. Further research is needed to evaluate its effectiveness.