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Fall Prevention Fair �Planning Guide:

How to Increase Falls Prevention Awareness in

Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Presented by: Laurie Rockwell-Dylla, OTD, OTR/L

Presented on: June 16, 2026

Presented to:

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Presentation Objectives

By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

Identify strategies to develop partnerships between healthcare providers and community-based organizations to promote falls prevention awareness.

Facilitate older adults’ awareness of healthcare providers’ distinct roles in falls prevention.

Plan a falls prevention event to increase community-dwelling older adults’ awareness of fall risk factors and strategies to decrease falls and fall-related injuries.

Identify, Obtain, and Distribute evidence-based falls prevention resources to older adults in the community.

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Fall Prevention Fair Planning Guide:

How to Help Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Decrease Falls & Fall Related Injuries

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Annual Fall Prevention Fair

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Key Components of Fall Prevention Fair

Self – Assessment of Fall Risk Factors

Fall Risk Screening & Education Stations

Keynote Speaker

Tai Chi Demonstration

Fall Prevention Action Plan

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Screening Tool: Stay Independent Questionnaire

References: (28,29)

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12 Fall Prevention Screening & Information Stations

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Measure Orthostatic Blood Pressure

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Screen Gait, Strength, & Balance

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Ask About Potential Home Hazards

Another key part of the fall assessment process is asking about any potential hazards in the home. The STEADI includes the Check for Safety brochure – which consists of a room by room checklist to FIND AND FIX any potential hazards.

This is really where an OT is helpful ---- in conducting home safety and functional assessments. This is why I love working in home health, because you get to see the person interacting in

their own natural environment…. you can assess what the potential fall hazards are or barriers that limit their functioning…..you can also identify what the strengths or supports are in

their home to help them successfully age in place. In my work as a home health OT, I routinely conduct fall assessments and home safety assessments and make recommendations for

modifiying how they go about doing their daily tasks like using a walker basket or tray to more safely transport items, or using a long handled reacher so they don’t have to bend over,

and/or modifying the environment (which could range from simple, low cost strategies like clearing out clutter in the walkway, adding nightlights to light their

path from the bedroom to bathroom, installing grab bars in the shower, or more extensive home modifications, like a walk in shower, stairlift or ramp). OTs working in the out-patient or

primary care setting can still address home safety by addressing the items that patients checked YES to on this form, or even through telehealth…as long as a caregiver/family member is present.

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Identify Medications that Increase Fall Risk

The assessment should include identifying medications that increase fall risk-

Such as, medications that affect the Central nervous system, those that cause sedation or confusion, and those that can cause hypotension. The AGS’s Updated Beers Criteria lists specific medications that increase fall risk.

Medications are among the most common causes of increased fall risk in older people.

However medications are usually among the easiest risk factors to change when it comes to falls in older adults.

A medication review conducted by a physician or pharmacist to identify medications that increase fall risk

-- should include all prescription, OTC, and vitamins/supplements.

Polypharmacy (taking 4 or more of any medication) can also increase fall risk.

In regard to medications linked to falls, The CDC advises healthcare providers

STOP medications when possible

SWITCH to safer alternatives

REDUCE medications to the lowest effective dose.

*I want to note that there is an initiative and toolkit specifically for pharmacists to address fall risks due to medications.

Also, orthostatic bp should be measured, because orthostatic hypotension is a risk factor for falls. I’ve seen this happen often in my patients on blood pressure medications).

(Defined as a drop in systolic bp of 20 points or greater and a diastolic bp drop of 10 or greater ….lightheadedness or dizziness while changing positions.)

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Palos Hospital Community-Based �Fall Prevention Program

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What To Do If You Fall & How To Get Up From A Fall

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Keynote Speaker Presentations

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Keynote Speaker Presentations

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Keynote Speaker Presentations

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Tai Chi Demonstration

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My Fall Prevention Action Plan

I will share the following Fall Risk Screening Information with my physician:

___ Self-Assessment of Fall Risk Score (from Stay Independent Brochure)

___ Gait/Strength/Balance Screening Scores

___ Footwear/Assistive Device Check

___ Vestibular/Dizziness Check

___ Vision Screening

___ Medication Review

___ Blood Pressure Screening

___ Home Safety Check

I will take these next steps to help me prevent falls:

___Talk to my physician about my fall risk/screening

___ Get therapy referral for Fall Prevention Assessment

___Attend Matter of Balance Class

___Start an exercise class &/or start walking more

___Review medications with my Physician or Pharmacist

___Get an eye exam

___Have my hearing checked

___Start using an assistive device (cane, walker)

___Make my home safer (install grab bars, nightlights)

___Wear supportive footwear inside and outside house

___Stop rushing or hurrying

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Feedback Form

Which information/stations do you feel helped you identify your risks for falls and/or help you learn strategies to prevent falls?

What Fall Prevention Events would you be interested in participating in the future?

What Fall Prevention Topics would you most want to hear about at future fairs/community presentations?

Please share any feedback about your experience at the Fair (speakers, handouts, resources, etc.)

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STEADI Assessment Handouts

Timed Up & Go (TUG)

4-Stage Balance

30-Second Chair Stand

Measuring Orthostatic Blood Pressure

CDC Resources

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CDC Resources

STEADI Educational Materials

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Questions & Contact Information

Thank you for your time!

Remember, Only 96 days until

Falls Prevention Awareness Week

September 21-25, 2026

Laurie Rockwell-Dylla, OTD, OTR/L

ldylla62@gmail.com