Effects of a Fall-Prevention Program for Older Adults with Dementia Based on Person-Centered Care

Background: This study aimed to examine the effects of a fall-prevention program, focusing on the characteristics of falls among older adults with dementia, based on person-centered care. Methods: Participants were divided into two groups: the intervention group (n = 60), which consisted of members who participated in a 3-month training program and the control group (n = 69), which consisted of members who received usual care. The study lasted 9 months, which included a training period (3 months), fall prevention practice period (3 months), and after the follow-up period (3 months). Results: Compared to the control group, the Mini-State Examination scores of participants in the intervention group had significantly decreased at 3 months or 6 months since baseline. In the control group, the activities of daily living and different symptoms common in dementia had significantly worsened after the follow-up. Regarding fall rates, there was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups; however, in the intervention group, there were reductions in the training period with 13 members (21.7%), the practice period with eight members (13.3%), and the follow-up period with 10 members (16.7%), compared to the baseline with 16 members (26.7%). Conclusion: These results suggest the effectiveness of the person-centered intervention program for older adults with dementia.