| Exercise |
Progressive strength and balance training; 1 hour twice a week; groups of 8–10 participants; to qualify for exercise groups, residents had to be able to stand with support; exercise instructors for the first 6 months were physiotherapists or sport therapists, supported by a member of the nursing home staff; after 6 months the training was taken over by members of the nursing home staff |
| Documentation of falls |
Compulsory; documentation sheets were sent to the health care insurance; regular feedback on fall statistics |
| Environmental adaptations |
Nurses were encouraged to look for person-environment mismatches using an environmental check list which included more than 100 items [19]
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| Medication review, vitamin D |
Nurses were encouraged to discuss a regular medication review with the physicians focusing on reduction of inappropriate psychotropic drugs, and the prescription of vitamin D. |
| Hip protectors |
Each home received a test kit of 5 hip protectors for demonstration purposes; recommendation of hip protectors was part of the program but they were not reimbursed by most German health care insurance companies. |
| Education and education materials |
Change agents received a one-day training course; exercise instructors received a different one-day training course; manual with all contents of the program [11]; material for in-house education; web page with additional information [20]
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