Views, experiences and attitudes of community-living older people towards the FIT-at-Home fall prevention programme: A qualitative interview study / Sichtweisen, Erfahrungswerte und Einstellungen von sturzgefährdeten Menschen im höheren Lebensalter zum FIT-at-Home-Sturzpräventionsprogramm: Eine qual

Abstract Background For older people, poor balance and strength as well as environmental hazards are a major risk factor for falls. A lifestyle-integrated home-based physical exercise training and home modification intervention were developed for older people at risk of falling. Aim This study aimed to examine older people's perceptions of the FIT-at-Home fall prevention intervention in order to further develop the intervention's content, procedures and mode of delivery. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with individuals who participated in the falls prevention programme using the problem-centred interview method. The interviews were analysed in a deductive-inductive approach following Mayring's qualitative content analysis. Results Seven themes emerging from the data described different facets of older people's perceptions towards the intervention. Findings suggested that the participants accepted the FIT-at-Home intervention. Overall, the individuals regard the intervention as feasible and practicable. From the older people's view, it was an advantage that the exercises could be implemented at any time without additional aids or equipment in-house and it was not necessary to visit the occupational therapy practice. Older people's experiences showed that feelings of success have a positive effect on the willingness to exercise. A perceived barrier influencing the implementation of exercises among older people was their own laziness, their general state of health and illnesses, their daily mood or meteor sensitivity. Conclusion The FIT-at-Home intervention comprising balance and strength exercises and home modification is feasible and acceptable for community-living older people. Older people's feedback will help us to further refine the intervention.