Evidence-Based Programs
Grace Blanket exclusively delivers programs that meet the Administration for Community Living (ACL) criteria for evidence-based health promotion. Every program in our network has been rigorously tested, published in peer-reviewed journals, and successfully translated to community settings.
Federal Framework Alignment
ACL Title III-D Evidence-Based Criteria
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) defines evidence-based programs as those that meet all of the following criteria:
- Demonstrated Effectiveness: Demonstrated through evaluation to be effective for improving the health and well-being or reducing disease, disability, and/or injury among older adults
- Rigorous Research Design: Proven effective through experimental or quasi-experimental design
- Peer-Reviewed Publication: Research results published in a peer-reviewed journal
- Community Translation: Fully translated and available for broad community implementation
- Public Availability: Dissemination products publicly available, including program manuals, training materials, and fidelity tools
CDC STEADI Initiative
Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries (STEADI) is the CDC's comprehensive approach to falls prevention.
Our programs align with STEADI's intervention framework:
- Screen patients for fall risk
- Assess modifiable risk factors
- Intervene with effective strategies
Programs We Deliver
All programs listed below are approved by ACL and listed in the NCOA Evidence-Based Program Registry.
Falls Prevention
Programs designed to reduce fall risk and fear of falling among older adults
A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls
Developed by MaineHealth Partnership for Healthy Aging
An evidence-based program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. Participants learn to view falls as controllable, set realistic goals for increasing activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and promote exercise to increase strength and balance.
Program Format
- Sessions: 8
- Duration: 2 hours per session
- Frequency: Once or twice weekly
- Group Size: 8-12 participants
Expected Outcomes
- • Reduced fear of falling
- • Increased physical activity
- • Improved fall self-efficacy
- • Reduced activity restriction due to fear of falling
Target Population
Adults 60+ who are ambulatory, can problem-solve, and have a concern about falling
Research Evidence
A Matter of Balance: A randomized controlled trial of a falls prevention program
Tennstedt S, Howland J, Lachman M, et al. The Gerontologist, 1998. DOI | PubMed
“Participants showed significant improvements in falls efficacy and increased intended activity levels compared to controls.”
Dissemination and effectiveness of A Matter of Balance program in senior centers
Healy TC, Peng C, Haynes MS, et al. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 2008. DOI
“97% of participants reported increased confidence in managing falls; 99% felt exercise would help prevent falls.”
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention
Developed by Tai Chi for Health Institute
A safe, easy-to-learn program using Sun-style tai chi movements specifically designed for people with arthritis and those at risk for falls. The program improves balance, strength, and flexibility while reducing pain and stiffness.
Program Format
- Sessions: 16
- Duration: 1 hour per session
- Frequency: Twice weekly
- Group Size: 10-20 participants
Expected Outcomes
- • 50%+ reduction in fall rates
- • Reduced arthritis pain and stiffness
- • Improved balance and mobility
- • Enhanced quality of life and wellbeing
Target Population
Adults 50+ with or without arthritis; particularly effective for those at risk of falls
Stepping On
Developed by Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging
A community-based falls prevention program that empowers participants to reduce their falls by identifying risk factors and learning fall-prevention strategies. The program uses adult learning principles and covers balance and strength exercises, home safety, vision, medication review, and outdoor mobility.
Program Format
- Sessions: 7
- Duration: 2 hours per session
- Frequency: Weekly for 7 weeks plus 3-month booster
- Group Size: 8-12 participants
Expected Outcomes
- • 31% reduction in falls
- • Improved falls self-efficacy
- • Increased protective behaviors
- • Better medication management
Target Population
Community-dwelling adults 65+ who have fallen or are at risk of falling
Physical Activity
Exercise programs that improve strength, balance, flexibility, and overall fitness
EnhanceFitness
Developed by Sound Generations (formerly Senior Services Seattle)
A low-cost, evidence-based group exercise program that helps older adults become more active, energized, and empowered to sustain independent lives. The program focuses on cardiovascular endurance, strength training, flexibility, and balance exercises.
Program Format
- Sessions: 48
- Duration: 1 hour per session
- Frequency: 3 times weekly, ongoing
- Group Size: 15-25 participants
Expected Outcomes
- • Improved physical functioning
- • Reduced healthcare costs
- • Decreased depression symptoms
- • Improved social functioning
Target Population
Adults 65+ at all fitness levels, including those with chronic conditions
Research Evidence
The effects of EnhanceFitness on hospital expenditure and utilization
Ackermann RT, Williams B, Nguyen HQ, et al. Medical Care, 2008. DOI | PubMed
“Regular participants showed 7% ($1,186) lower annual healthcare costs and 1.1 fewer hospital days compared to non-participants.”
Impact of EnhanceFitness on physical function among older adults
Belza B, Snyder S, Thompson M, et al. Preventing Chronic Disease, 2010. | PubMed
“Participants showed clinically significant improvements in upper and lower body strength, aerobic endurance, and agility/balance.”
Instructor Certification Requirements
All Grace Blanket instructors must hold active certification from the program developer organization. This ensures fidelity to the evidence-based curriculum and maintains the outcomes demonstrated in research.
Certification Standards
- ✓Complete official training from program developer or licensed trainer
- ✓Pass competency assessment and/or observed teaching evaluation
- ✓Maintain current certification through continuing education
- ✓Agree to deliver programs with fidelity to the established curriculum
- ✓Participate in Grace Blanket's outcomes tracking system
Theory of Change
Grace Blanket's model connects evidence-based programs to measurable community outcomes through certified studios and standardized data collection.
Inputs
- • ACL-approved curricula
- • Certified instructors
- • Community studios
- • Grant funding
Activities
- • Studio certification
- • Program delivery
- • Participant assessment
- • Data collection
Outputs
- • Program completions
- • Studios in network
- • Geographic reach
- • Outcome reports
Outcomes
- • Reduced falls
- • Improved balance
- • Lower healthcare costs
- • Enhanced quality of life
Questions about our evidence-based programs or certification process?