SOVS Paper of the Week:Â Exercise has been shown to prevent falls in community dwelling older adults. However, our previous research identified that older adults with vision impairment have very little access to current community based fall prevention programs. This is despite this group experiencing a higher rate of falls compared with their peers. Current programs are reported as inaccessible by those with vision impairment, including requirements to travel, and a reliance on visual resources and demonstrations of program activities.
In our paper, we documented the adaptation of an exercise based fall prevention program for older adults with vision impairment. This program was delivered as part of a randomised controlled trial, PlaTFORM, investigating the effect of exercise on falls and functional health. We spoke with those who received the program, along with the professionals who delivered the program. Behaviour change theory was used as a framework, to help explain how program adaptations influenced participants uptake of program activities, and the delivery by the professionals.Â
We found that older adults with vision impairment enjoyed the delivery of the program in their home, by professionals who understood the impact of vision impairment. Interviews with professionals revealed ongoing dynamic adaptations to the program to suit the individual preferences and circumstances of each participant. All initial and ongoing adaptations are documented in the paper, as well as training requirements. Our paper can be used a framework to adapt other programs for better inclusion of older adults with vision impairment.
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