The North Carolina Falls Prevention Coalition.

Evidence-based falls management programs in the community should be considered when referring older persons to appropriate programs and resources. Unfortunately, few programs are available at this time for widespread dissemination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently conducting several dissemination projects for 3 programs, including Stepping On, a behavioral change program; Tai Chi, Moving for Better Balance, a class-based exercise program for community-dwelling older adults; and The Otago Exercise Program, a home-based exercise program for community-dwelling older adults who have lower levels of function. These programs should become more prevalent in the community during the next few years. One evidencebased program for behavior change, A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls, is widely available throughout North Carolina. This program is designed to improve an individual’s confidence in his or her balance and minimize fear of falling. It is delivered through a peer-led model and has demonstrated significantly improved self-management and self-efficacy outcomes. Persons interested in learning where the program is offered can visit the North Carolina Healthy Aging Roadmap Web site (available at: http:// ncroadmap.org/bin/view), or they can contact their local Area Agency on Aging office. Tiffany Shubert is the leader of this project to develop and support falls prevention efforts throughout the state. Table 1. Risk Factors Commonly Associated With Falls