Stop Falls Napa Valley Strategic Plan

Background

In 2006, the Fall Prevention Coalition began a year long planning process of the coalition-building and strategic planning to (1) develop an integrated county-wide strategic plan to implement comprehensive fall prevention strategies for at-risk older adults, and (2) increase community awareness and support for fall prevention.

The Planning Process

The Coalition conducted a review of existing data to assess extent of the prevalence and consequences of falls among Napa Valley seniors. Data analysis yielded two considerations for the Coalition: (1) Napa has a higher than average incidence in falls among seniors that result in injury or death; and, (2) that data collection about falls is not adequate for measuring change or gaining a full understanding of the extent of the problem. 

A survey of community providers serving seniors revealed significant gaps in fall prevention policies, programs and services and illuminated provider interest and priorities for the plan. Priorities identified in the survey included community education and awareness, coordination among health care and other providers, provider education and training, centralized resource and referral for fall prevention and intervention services, falls surveillance and reporting and policy development.

Nearly 75 seniors, caregivers, healthcare providers, community providers and other stakeholders attended a Fall Prevention Planning Summit.  The participants defined priorities and proposed core strategies for Napa Valley’s plan which included community awareness and education campaigns and events, institutional policies, physical activity programs, centralized falls resources and coordination, and home modification services and community safety advocacy.

Implementation

Stop Falls Napa Valley began implementing the programs identified within the Strategic Plan with funding from the County of Napa and Queen of the Valley Medical Center.