Registrations open for falls prevention program
14 Jun 2017
14 June 2017
Did you know that more than one-third of adults aged over 65 fall each year which often leads to injury and an extended hospital stay?
Our free Stepping On falls prevention program runs for two hours, once a week over a course of seven weeks and is designed to give you the confidence and skills you need to stay on your feet.
Senior Rehabilitation Physiotherapist Anna Bishop said the program was based on the latest research and covered topics including:
- Balance and strength exercises
- Vision
- Medication managements
- Pedestrian safety in the community
- Safe footwear
- Reducing home hazards
- Nutrition
“We do exercises that are easy, fun, and are proved to help with making your legs stronger and improve your balance,” Anna said.
“Be assured that we don’t make you exercise for two hours, as the exercises are gentle and are normally completed within 20 minutes.”
A different guest speaker covers a range of topics to help you reduce your risk of falling, such as an occupational therapist who will give you tips on how to make your home safe, a pharmacist talking about medications and a physiotherapist highlighting the best exercises you can do.
“This program would perfectly suit a person who may have had a fall already or is worried about falling,” Anna said.
“Our participants find they have more confidence in moving about at home and in the community, are more aware of fall hazards and the steps that can be taken to reduce these risks and feel like they have more control over their lives.”
The program is for people aged 65 and over who are able to walk independently with or without a walking stick.
To enrol in the course or more information, call (02) 4560 5714.