Falls Prevention Network Meeting 27 May 2010

The Falls Prevention Network meets quarterly bringing together regional and rural government representatives, community health managers and falls prevention program coordinators. The Vision Initiative is in regular attendance and at the 27 May meeting gave an update on the Vision Kit developed as part of the Making a Move program by the Vision Initiative and partners. Train the trainer workshops will be held in July and August to enable community health workers and program coordinators to deliver the eye health component. This will also provide a sustainable model of delivery for groups running a rolling falls prevention program.

Other presentations included:

• Education and training for exercise prescription package – Dr Terry Haines, Monash University
• An interactive session discussing ways to modify the ‘No Falls Program’ for frailer, older people – Susan Vincent, Neurological Rehabilitation Group
• National Stroke Week and Community Education program (peer education) – Jasmine Sison, National Stroke Foundation, Victoria
• Update of the evaluation of Making a Move – Ro Saxon, HDG Consulting Group NHMRC Partnership Project and Professor Keith Hill, La Trobe University.

The forum provides an excellent opportunity for networking and enables the Vision Initiative to remain informed and contribute to the aged sector and programs that are being undertaken to improve the health of older Victorians.