Sally, a social and energetic senior, went to a friend’s house to enjoy the Cheese Days parade in Monroe when she had what she calls the worst fall she ever experienced on some steps.
“I missed the step down and started falling forward,” said Sally. “I had x-rays that showed three breaks in my shoulder. I had to wear a sling on my arm for eight weeks. I did heal up well after the fall, but it was hard on me because I ended up missing Cranberry Fest that month and some other festivities because of it. I am very active and social, and I like to go.”
What is Stepping On?
She signed up for Stepping On, an eight-week fall prevention class collaboratively taught by SSM Health community health workers and the Aging and Disability Resource Center in several communities in Wisconsin. It covers a range of issues, including:
- Risk for falls
- Strength and balance exercises
- Home hazards
- Safe footwear
- Vision issues that contribute to falls
- Safety in public places
- Community mobility
- Coping after a fall
- Understanding how to initiate a medication review
“Falling is one of the biggest causes of injury and even death in people in the aging community and we want them to stay safe,” said Wendy Bianchetti, an SSM Health community health worker. “In Stepping On classes, in addition to the teaching, there is group discussion. They don’t feel alone and they learn from each other.”
Sharing with peers makes a difference
Laura Steiner, a Stepping On facilitator from ADRC, says the sharing of stories by people in the class really helps everyone stay safe.
“I think one of the more important takeaways is that Stepping On is about being real,” said Steiner. “Sharing those stories with one another, really learning from one another, and saying ‘Hey, that’s something I could try’ and you learn how to prevent a fall from occurring from other people’s fall stories.”
Sally says she has learned a lot from the teaching, discussion, and guest speakers.
“I really got a lot out of the pharmacist guest expert and the physical therapist showing ways to get in and out of a car,” notes Sally. “Also, how to get up from a fall. I have been practicing this at home and I have been doing the balance and strengthening exercises daily since the class.”
If you or a loved one are at a high risk for falls, consider taking SSM Health’s safety assessment. To find a Stepping On class, contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center in your county.
