Programs that are designed to increase public awareness of the risk factors associated with trips, slips and falls by older adults and others in and around their homes and the measures that can be taken prevent their occurrence. Delivery formats may include fact sheets, safety check lists or other informational materials; individual or group educational sessions which may include strength and balance exercises; and general media campaigns. The programs may address illnesses and other physical conditions that affect mobility and balance; "high-risk" medications or medication combinations that may cause drowsiness; lack or improper use of needed mobility aids; proper versus improper footwear; environmental safety hazards such as unsafe or unlighted stairways, uneven or slippery walking surfaces, obstacles such as throw rugs and exposed cords or wires, unsteady furniture or lack of grab bars and handrails; and other similar factors.

Programs that conduct home inspections to assess and make recommendations to eliminate potentially hazardous conditions and to ensure that the individual or family has a plan to deal with emergencies should they arise. Safety evaluation programs often target homes with children or elderly residents and focus on dangerous rugs or floors, fire hazards, unsanitary or unsafe kitchens or bathrooms, poor lighting, unsafe storage of medication and other toxic materials, hazardous placement of kitchen equipment and other tools, access barriers in the home or yard and other discernible problems.

Programs that provide general information about hazards found indoors in homes and apartments and the measures people can take to eliminate them. Topics may include electrical safety (e.g., appliances, cords and fixtures); fire prevention tips (e.g., kitchen/cooking safety, candle safety, portable space heaters and other heating systems, smoking, ignition resistant upholstery fabrics, smoke alarms and other warning systems); shower and bathtub safety; bedroom safety (e.g., proximity of lamps/light switches and a telephone to the bed, electric blankets); indoor air quality, lead paint and other health and safety issues; hazardous household products; injury prevention (e.g., slips and falls); using ladders and step stools; stairway safety; home security; advance family planning for escape during an emergency; and other similar issues.

Programs that evaluate an individual's postural alignment, functional reach, standing balance and ability to go from sitting to standing to walking as a means of identifying personal risk factors for falls. Information regarding exercises that may improve balance and tips for avoiding falls may also be provided.

Individuals who are age 50, 55, 60, 62 or 65 or older depending on the minimum age for qualifying as an older adult which varies by program.

A group of disorders that impair the functioning of the human balance system which depends on the inner ear, the eyes, and the muscles and joints to transmit reliable information about the body’s movement and orientation. When the inner ear or other elements of the balance system are damaged, the result may be vertigo, dizziness and imbalance which make the individual susceptible to falling. Other symptoms include vision problems (difficulty focusing, light sensitivity, poor depth perception), hearing loss, tinnitus (a sensation that is often referred to as "ringing in the ears", although some people hear hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping, or clicking), difficulty concentrating, disorientation, mental and/or physical fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Not all symptoms are experienced by every person with a balance disorder and additional symptoms are possible. Conditions that can lead to balance problems include bacterial or viral infections, head injuries, stroke, orthopedic injuries, osteoarthritis, neurological problems and problems that affect the blood supply to the inner ear. A number of problems associated with aging can also interfere with balance. These include cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, all of which affect an individual’s vision; peripheral neuropathy, which affects position sense in the feet and legs; and vestibular-system degeneration. Treatment may include surgery to correct an inner ear problem, medication and/or vestibular rehabilitation therapy.