Older adults with cognitive impairment (CI) face a higher risk of falls, making care partner engagement (CPE) essential in fall risk management (FRM) programs. This systematic review examines CPE in FRM for community-dwelling older adults with CI, identifying terms, measures, facilitators, barriers, and strategies to enhance engagement. Researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of literature published from 1985 to 2024, reviewing 32 studies.

The findings reveal a significant variation in how CPE is defined and measured. Factors influencing CPE include the health and functional status of older adults, care partners’ motivation and perceptions of burden, and the support offered by service providers. Strategies to enhance CPE include tailored intervention content and increased professional and social support, with specific approaches like discussion tools and flexible scheduling showing promise.

The review highlights the need for standardized language and validated measures to assess CPE effectively. It introduces a new conceptual framework that captures the complexity of CPE in FRM programs. The insights gained aim to inform the creation of better-engaged FRM programs for older adults with CI, ultimately improving their safety and well-being.