A Community Intervention Program Targeting the Elderly in Stockholm County

Each year, about 11,000 individuals are hospitalized in the County of Stockholm for the treatment of fall injuries. This includes 15 percent of the population 65 years or older. In the County of Stockholm, an intervention program has begun which targets the elderly. The long-term objective is to develop a permanent community safety program for the elderly. A pilot study will be implemented in the municipality of Sundbyberg, a suburb of Stockholm. The pilot study is being conducted in conjunction with the local public health service. The objective is to reduce the number of fall incidents among the elderly. The program involves registration of injuries, study circles concerning health issues for the elderly, the training of personnel within the health professions, and improving the physical environment in residential areas. To obtain generalizable knowledge, the program includes evaluation of outcome effects and process studies.