InnovAge to Participate in National Senior Fall Prevention Study

DENVER—InnovAge Holding Corporation, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provider, has been selected as a research partner for a national study that will explore how to prevent falls by seniors. September is National PACE Awareness Month and Falls Prevention Month, which aims to emphasize the impact of reducing dangerous falls by seniors. 

InnovAge was selected by LeaHD—a research and training center in partnership with Brown University, Boston University and University of Pittsburgh in the Center on Health Services Training and Research (CoHSTAR)—to participate in the fall prevention study. Ann Wells, chief population health and clinical value officer of InnovAge, and the LeaHD team plan to work collaboratively in the study to advance the training of scientists in rehabilitation and long-term services, focusing on fall risk prediction that enhances senior health care outcomes. Their combined research aims to improve the lives of adults living with disabilities and chronic conditions. The study is expected to be completed in October 2025.

“Our participation in the LeaHD study is a testament to our dedication to advancing research and evidence-based practices that directly impact senior health and safety,” said Wells. “This study will help us better understand the multi-faceted factors contributing to falls among seniors and develop intervention strategies tailored to their unique needs.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury and death among older adults, with one in four adults aged 65 and older experiencing a fall each year. InnovAge research participants averaged 16% fewer falls than the National PACE Association’s estimated average by using proactive screening, risk assessments and personalized interventions designed to prevent falls. InnovAge provides comprehensive emotional, physical and social support to older adults through 24/7 integrated care.

A recent study revealed the U.S. population ages 65 and older is projected to grow 47% by 2050, making affordable and accessible alternatives to nursing homes, like PACE, even more important. InnovAge aims to enable seniors to age safely in their homes and communities, and allows participants receive a holistic care approach that includes access to doctors, dentists, physical therapists, home health aides, dietitians and social workers. By addressing the complex factors that impact health, PACE aims to increase longevity and quality of life for older adults. For most eligible seniors, all medically necessary care and services are provided for free through PACE.

“We believe that the PACE model is integral to creating a safer, healthier, and more independent future for our seniors,” said Patrick Blair, chief executive officer and president of InnovAge. “National PACE Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to deepen our education efforts about the transformative benefits PACE offers participants and their families.”