BACKGROUND: To compare the effect of two modes of delivering a falls prevention service in reducing the rate of falls and improving quality of life, activity levels, and physical status among older adults with a history of recent falls. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with a total of 107 participants with blinded baseline and follow-up assessments. The participants were older community-dwelling adults referred for a falls prevention service located in Brisbane, Australia. The intervention was a multiple component falls prevention service delivered in either in a domiciliary or center-based mode of delivery. Both programs were similar apart from setting and consisted of three components, a balance and strength component, falls prevention education, and functional tasks. Physical and psychosocial assessments were administered at baseline, 8-week follow-up and 6-month follow-up. Falls data were collected by monthly telephone contact and by interview at 8 weeks and 6 months. RESULTS: The center-based service demonstrated significantly better results in preventing falls over the home-based service. Clients in the center-based arm of the trial experienced fewer total falls and this group also had a greater reduction in the total number of fallers after the intervention. CONCLUSION: This research demonstrates that delivering a similar service in different settings-home based or center based-impacts upon the effectiveness of the service. Community-dwelling older adults with a history of falls should be provided with center-based programs in preference to home-based programs where they are available.
Copyright the Gerontological Society of America. Reproduced by permission of the publisher.

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