The National Council on Aging's (NCOA) new State Policy Toolkit aims to organize and maximize community falls prevention assets and resources, and establish innovative policies and practices within states, communities, and organizations. The toolkit offers a compendium of suggested policy changes to advance falls prevention, categorized under 8 major goals. It outlines the opportunities, strategies, and examples of what is possible through education and engagement of key stakeholders.

The toolkit can be used as a guide for promoting discussion and potential action on policy changes that are appropriate for the population, geographic location, partnerships, and culture of your community. Users can adapt a limited, manageable set of strategies from the toolkit to put into action; include a set of indicators to measure progress of select recommendations; and review the resource compendium to find materials to promote strategic partnerships with providers.   

APTA is a member of NCOA's Falls Free Coalition.

For additional patient care and consumer education resources on this topic, visit APTA's Balance and Falls webpage.