Texas A&M University's Public Policy Research Institute is launching a three-year initiative to help healthcare providers identify older adults at risk of falling and connect them with local fall-prevention programs. The project, called the Texas STEADI-Stepping On Partnership Network, will work with senior nutrition programs, healthcare providers and aging-services organizations across the state.
The project plans to hold 88 workshops at 11 senior nutrition program sites and expects to reach about 1,320 adults, with a focus on people ages 60 to 70. Participants will learn ways to reduce fall risk, including improving strength and balance, managing medications, making homes safer and building confidence in daily activities. The institute said it will also train community workers to continue the work.
The institute received $1.94 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Community Living to support the work through 2029. Dr. Nandita Chaudhuri, a senior research scientist at the institute, said the award is "another step toward a more connected and sustainable community-based healthy aging system."