This spring, Michele Watkins, emergency department director, and Jennifer Stull, social worker, received training to offer Stepping On classes through Osborne County Memorial Hospital. Stepping On is a nationally recognized program that helps prevent falls through education to increase confidence and independence.
"Community education is an important part of patient care at OCMH," Stull said. "We want to be in touch with residents in the county and better understand their health concerns so we can work together to find solutions."
The pair will start classes at the Osborne Public Library on September 10. The seven-week program includes a two-hour class each Tuesday until October 22. Classes are free to the public.
The program is ideal for people living at home who have experienced a fall or have concerns about falling. It incorporates strategies to implement positive lifestyle changes and allows seniors to stay independent and active. Stepping On gives tips and techniques for moving safely, identifying home hazards and solutions, planning routine errands, preparing for special outings, and much more.
Leaders will demonstrate appropriate footwear and clothing, tools for safe walking or getting in and out of vehicles, and strategies for managing inclement weather and uneven or unfamiliar surfaces. Participants will practice techniques, get hands-on experience with tools, and review medications and side effects.
The evidence-based program has a 31% reduction in falls. Stepping On was tested in 2004 through a randomized trial at Clemson University. Twenty years later, 18 other studies support the program. Some researchers have focused on process evaluation to adjust training courses to provide the best implementation. Other research has demonstrated behavior changes in participants. Across the board, research has shown improved participant outcomes.
"Falls are not a natural part of aging," Watkins said. "They are completely avoidable, and we want the seniors in our communities to feel confident about staying active and enjoying life. We can help by giving them tools to prevent falls."
Adding the Stepping On program is part of OCMH's application for designation as a level four trauma center. The designation requires facilities to provide community education. Because falls are one of the top reasons for visits to the emergency room, OCMH staff want to decrease falls by increasing the confidence and independence of community members.
To learn more about the Stepping On program or sign up for classes, call 785-346-2121 to talk to Michele or Jennifer.
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