To Prevent Fall-Related Deaths Among Older Adults, NC Providers Turn to Exercise and Home-Proofing

Meredith University students and others in North Carolina aim to prevent fall-related death among seniors via home visits, education programs, and classes, reports North Carolina Health News . The Meredith group has spent two years in collaboration with the Center for Volunteer Caregiving on Stronger Together, a program to help older people reduce their risks of falls. The program includes student-led home modifications and evidence-based exercises promoted during visits to low-income seniors in Wake County. "For people who don't get much exercise, the regimen helps them improve their balance," said Meredith student Paige Lawrence. Meanwhile, the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina hosts two 24-week balance classes simultaneously, with participants exercising day to day at home. "The biggest take-home has been that the class has been shown to reduce the risk of falls by 65 percent," said the YMCA's Bridget Carroll.