DEVELOPMENT OF A PEER-LED GROUP PROGRAM TARGETING SENIORS' FEAR OF FALLING AND ASSOCIATED ACTIVITY RESTRICTION

Background: Several studies show that excessive fear of falling (FOF) not only impedes seniors’ activities and quality of life, but can also increase their risk of falling. This has led to the development of programs... [ view full abstract ]

Background: Several studies show that excessive fear of falling (FOF) not only impedes seniors’ activities and quality of life, but can also increase their risk of falling. This has led to the development of programs targeting FOF and associated activity restriction. A group program aiming to increase seniors’ confidence in managing FOF and preventing falls while staying active was developed in Quebec (Canada).

Theoretical underpinning: The program (Vivre en Équilibre-VEE) is founded on a cognitivo-behavioral approach to address seniors’ beliefs regarding FOF and falls.

Intervention: VEE is a French Canadian adaptation of a group program originally developed in the United States. Besides being designed for a French-speaking population, VEE is innovative in a number of ways: 1) it is meant to be offered by peers; 2) it includes ludic activities to enhance key messages retention; and 3) it is based on the most recent available evidence for managing FOF and falls. This presentation aims to describe the phases of VEE development and present the program’s most prominent characteristics.

Evaluation of outcomes: A pilot study of the program involving 86 seniors has shown promising results. A larger pragmatic quasi-experimental study is currently conducted among seniors living in retirement homes to assess the impact of VEE on program’s key outcomes. Process variables are also measured to examine the required conditions for a successful implementation of the program.

Application to Practice: Occupational therapists can play a larger role in falls prevention by training and supervising peers to lead programs such as VEE.