Thanks to donors, the foundation is pleased to be able to support a program that offers Longmont-area older adults fall-prevention education.
Stepping On: Fall Prevention meets weekly for seven weeks. It provides balance and strength training and offers information about how to reduce the chances of falling.
Last year, Longs Peak Hospital and Longmont United Hospital collaborated on a Stepping On pilot program. Ten local residents were served. This year, four Stepping On courses are scheduled, each with capacity for 15 participants. Two courses will be held at Longs Peak Hospital, and two will be held at Longmont United Hospital.
The Stepping On course is led by a health professional and a peer leader. In addition, local guest experts provide information on exercise, vision, safety and medications.
Topics include:
- Simple and fun balance and strength training.
- The role that vision plays in keeping your balance.
- How medications can contribute to falls.
- Ways to keep from falling when out in your community.
- What to look for in safe footwear.
- How to eliminate falls hazards from your home.
Lyn and Wayne Hoeben attended a Stepping On course last year. “I think it’s really beneficial to take this class and do the exercises—and keep doing them,” Lyn says. “The class taught me how I can be more careful and more aware.”
Wayne says, “In the past, I’ve had to get on my roof to clear leaves, and I’ve had some near misses up there. Those got me to thinking that I should learn how to take care of myself while I do these things. The Stepping On class was the answer.”
To register or learn more about Stepping On, contact Stephanie Dunn, manager of rehabilitative services, at Stephanie.Dunn@uchealth.org or 720.819.6855. To learn about other programs for adults age 50+, contact Julie Adams, manager of volunteer services and Aspen Club, at Julie.Adams@uchealth.org or 720.718.1690.
Longmont residents Lyn and Wayne Hoeben attended a Stepping On course last year.