Collaborative Community Based Strategies for Addressing Fall Prevention October 2012 April R. Vince LSW, MSSA Cuyahoga County Board of Health

History of Collaborations

Senior Safety Program (SSP)  Began as a pilot program in coordination with The Department of Development (DOD) in 2007 in Garfield Heights  Expanded to 10 cities in 2008  Expanded countywide in 2009, 200 homes  Up to $1,000 per home in home modifications in home modifications

Description of SSP  Application process, income requirements (single household = $36,300)  Approved by Department of Development  Home visit completed with DOD  Contractor assigned  Work complete  Satisfaction survey sent and follow up 4 months, 1 year

Client feedback  It's a nice program. I'm going to tell friends of mine that might be able to apply for this.  I just wanted to say "thank you" for your helping in making my home a safer place for me to live in.  They did a very good job and I really appreciate the work to make my home safer.  I am very happy with the work done at my home. Have to admit I was worried about falling in the tub, for the last few years. Thank you so very much.  I am 91 and didn't think I needed these support bars, but now I don't know how I did without them!  I have such a feeling of being able to go up and down steps with the perfect railing that I have “no fear" Thank you.

A Matter of Balance  A Matter of Balance includes eight two-hour sessions for a small group led by a trained facilitator. This program was developed at the Roybal Center at Boston University, and has been nationally recognized.  An evidenced based program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls

 Implemented in 2007 at CCBH  Classes are taught over an 8 week time frame, 2 hours each class  Clients are taught in a senior center or senior living complex  Classes are free  CCBH has 4 Master trainers and 7 coaches available to teach

Changes in funding  2010, Title IIID monies reallocated, Matter of Balance offered now through partner agencies (we still have agreement to provide classes on per request basis)  2010, County Reorganization, Senior Safety put on hold  2011, Healthy Homes added a senior component to their programming

Build upon current programming  Current HUD funding for LEAD program –Under previous HUD round 12 funding, 18% of the qualified participants were age 60 and older and caring for children –Targeted our Healthy Homes Program to link efforts

Healthy Homes Program  Currently working with Cleveland Housing Network and The County Department of Development, under our HH program –Quality of Life survey completed upon visit –Homes remediated to reduce fall risk and to eliminate any triggers for breathing related illness –Follow up visit for final approval and follow up survey mailed to client

Current Status  Highly involved with Healthy Homes Senior Home visiting/remediation of home  CCBH staff member serves on Council on Older Persons workgroup  Member of Senior Networking Association  Maintain partnerships with Aging Agencies throughout Cuyahoga County

Media Recognition   Ohio Department of Aging, “Finer with Age” Field Liason, 2011 Highlighting Fall Prevention Awareness Month   NACCED (National Association for County Community and Economic Development) Award of Excellence for Innovation (2010)   National Health Homes Conference (2008) Home Safety Programs Presenter (2008)  NACCHO Issue Brief Fall Prevention Programs in Local Health Departments (2006)

Where do we go from here?  Collaboration is key  Creative solutions  Seeking sustainable funding  Get communities involved/awareness  Make policy makers/legislatures aware

Any Questions? , ext or , ext You can also me at: