Key Considerations for Program Selection

• Assess the target audience and their specific needs to ensure the program is relevant and effective.
• Evaluate available resources, including funding, personnel, and facilities, to determine feasibility.
• Identify modifiable risk factors that the program will address, such as strength and balance exercises.
• Consider the program’s compatibility with existing community offerings to enhance integration and support.
• Ensure the program can be tailored to accommodate participants with differing abilities and needs.

Program Characteristics and Requirements

• Determine if the program requires specially trained instructors and if such training is accessible.
• Evaluate whether the program includes educational components about fall prevention to enhance participant knowledge.
• Assess the program’s ability to promote self-efficacy among participants, fostering confidence in their ability to prevent falls.
• Investigate strategies included in the program to minimize activity-related injuries, ensuring participant safety.
• Review the program’s cost structure, including potential licensing fees and training costs, to ensure it fits within budget constraints.

Implementation and Technical Support

• Identify available program materials and training manuals to support effective implementation.
• Seek technical assistance resources, such as websites or contacts, to aid in program fidelity and troubleshooting.
• Ensure the program includes strategies for linking participants with healthcare providers for comprehensive support.
• Evaluate methods for maintaining program quality and fidelity over time, including monitoring and evaluation processes.
• Consider the availability of pre- and post-functional tests, like the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, to measure participant progress.