Increasing the Accessibility of a Falls Prevention Intervention for Community Dwelling Older Adults With Low Vision

Fall, Low Vision

This study serves to test a previously evaluated falls prevention intervention recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, entitled the Study of Accidental Falls in the Elderly (SAFE) Health Behavior and Exercise Intervention, to evaluate if the intervention is accessible to older adults with low vision receiving services from the Southeastern Blind Rehabilitation Center (SBRC). This study also serves to pilot a version of the SAFE intervention that has been adapted to be accessible for individuals with low vision at SBRC.

This study serves to compare the comprehension and retention of individuals completing a version of the SAFE falls prevention intervention adapted for low vision versus individuals receiving the original intervention. One group of participants will complete the standard SAFE intervention format while another group will complete the same intervention with written materials adapted for those with vision loss. One intervention (either standard or adapted SAFE program) will be delivered at a time. The SAFE intervention is comprised of four, 90-minute group classes that address environmental, behavioral, and physical falls risk factors. Classes involve lecture and group discussions as well as review of low intensity exercises. The adapted content is presented in large print with high contrast and has been rewritten on a lower grade level. A nutritionist, a physical therapist, a physician, 5 older adults with low vision, 10 low vision occupational therapist, and 5 health literacy experts provided feedback to strengthen the adapted intervention.

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United States