Research

Falling Less in Kansas (Falling LinKS)

Falling Less in Kansas (Falling LinKS) is a collaborative research effort among Wichita State University, Envision Low Vision Rehabilitation Center, the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, the Harvey County Department on Aging, and the citizens of Harvey County, Kansas.

The Falling LinKS research team developed a toolkit about falling and how to reduce the chances of falling. The toolkit is aimed at people who want to maintain their active lives and prevent a fall. Most fall education and prevention programs are prepared for health care professionals. Our toolkit is designed for people who live in rural areas where health care resources are often scarce. You can use the toolkit in the privacy of your own home to learn about falls and the steps you can take to prevent them.

The toolkit is now available here in PDF format for reading or printing. Download the toolkit (PDF, 1201 KB). Spiral-bound printed copies of the Falling LinKS Toolkit can be purchased online on the Envision Everyday website. Falling LinKS Toolkits and associated materials can be found in the Training Guides section of the “Educational Materials” link on the left-hand side of the screen. This is an exceptionally cost-effective way of obtaining printed copies of these materials.

The Falling LinKS Research and Implementation Team (2012 forward): Dr. LaDonna Hale, Ms. Karen Kendrick (Envision), Drs. Teresa Radebaugh, Mr. Shannon Riley (Envision), Drs. Michael Rogers, Nicole Rogers, and Ms. Rosemary Wright (WSU Graduate Student).

The Falling LinKS Development Team (2007-2011): Drs. Teresa Radebaugh (PI), Candace Bahner, Deborah Ballard-Reisch, Mr. Michael Epp (Envision), Dr. LaDonna Hale, Mr. Rich Hanley (Harvey County Department on Aging), Ms. Karen Kendrick (Envision), and Drs. Michael and Nicole Rogers. The team was supported by WSU Graduate Students: Ms. Ashley Archiopoli, Ms. Melissa Granville, Mr. Bobby Rozzell, Ms. Chigozirim Utah, and Ms. Katie Sue Williams.

The development work for the Falling LinKS Toolkit was funded by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, grant #20080427 (11-2008 to 5-2010) and the WSU Graduate School.

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OAPA! Older Adult Pet Adoption Program

Research has shown the physical and emotional benefits of pet ownership, including reduced blood pressure and lowered stress levels. For older adults, especially if a spouse has passed away and children live far away, it gives them another living creature in the house always happy to see them, a special bond, and responsibility which gives them meaning and purpose in life.

The Older Adult Pet Adoption Program was created for those older adults wishing to experience the joy of pet companionship but, may be worried about what might happen if they encounter poor or declining health.

In the OAPA! program, when the older adult adopts the companion animal, he or she may designate someone to take the pet if he/she is unable to care for it.

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External Resources

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