HOP-UP-PT is excited to share an open access publication which provides strong evidence for the programs impact on reducing falls and fall risk. Notably, the study identified that those with the highest fall risk when beginning the HOP-UP-PT program had an 8-fold decrease in falls compared to older adults who continued with normal activity. The randomized controlled clinical trial was funded by a 2018 Michigan Health Endowment Fund Healthy Aging Award ($201,058).
Reducing falls and fall risk is best accomplished when it addresses multiple risk factors. The home environment is one critical area to consider as there are often overlooked hazards that are easy to fix. Older adults and their families should consider using The Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults. Healthcare providers may find the Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool (HOME FAST) a useful tool to guide in home assessments and recommendations.
The Stay Independent brochure, available as a component of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention STEADI programming, contains a Fall risk Screening questionnaire that is useful to older adults and their families, community centers, and health care providers. The 12-question screening tool is a validated fall risk self-assessment tool (Rubenstein et al. J Safety Res; Read More
An upstream approach to healthcare aims to examine and then impact the root causes of a health-related problem rather the symptoms. The approach can bring about downstream improvements in health outcomes and decrease healthcare costs. HOP-UP-PT uses this approach as the foundation of all evaluations, interventions, and programming.
Community centers and an older adult’s social network are the key to identifying which older adults might be at risk for falls or becoming homebound. As of 2022, HOP-UP-PT is now providing community center staff, employees, and volunteers the opportunity to become a Certified HOP-UP-PT Ambassador. There is no cost to becoming a certified ambassador. Read More
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is frequently used to determine the ability to be safe with activity and fall risk. A therapist times how long it takes an individual to stand up from a chair, walk a short distance (10 feet), turn around, walk back to the chair, and sit down. This test Read More
Urinary incontinence, or leaking urine when you don’t mean to, is connected to a higher risk of falling, especially in older adults. Individuals with incontinence often feel they have to get to the bathroom quickly, causing them to move too fast and increase the chance of falling. Worrying about accidents and leaking may also cause Read More
This video reviews the administration, scoring, and interpretation of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). It includes an opportunity to view and practice scoring a full test for fall risk screening. The SPPB is a valid, reliable, and widely used test designed to assess lower extremity function in older adults. It typically includes three components: Read More