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Sandy Journal

Sandy Residents Offered Program to Prevent Falls

Mar 27, 2015 07:42AM ● By City Journals Staff
Collaboration with Health Department Will Educate Seniors on Safety 

The Salt Lake County Health Department, in partnership with the Sandy Fire Department, will offer a fall prevention education series beginning Monday, April 20, 2015 at the Sandy fire station.

“Recently we have been experiencing an increase in calls to homes in Sandy because of falls in our elderly residents,” says Chief Bruce Cline of Sandy Fire.  “We are hopeful that this evidence-based program will help prevent many of these calls in the future, and more important, keep people out of the emergency room,” says Cline.

Stepping On is a free, seven-week workshop for independent, community-dwelling older adults who have fallen, are at risk of falling or who have a fear of falling. One in three adults aged 65 and over fall each year. According to the Utah Department of Health, Sandy City ranks sixth highest in areas for emergency room visits and hospitalizations for falls in those individuals aged 65 and over in Utah.   

The physical, financial and emotional costs from falls can be devastating. Yet, falls are simply not a normal part of the aging process and can be prevented.  “The goal is to help people better manage their risk of falls and take personal action steps to prevent future falls,” says Carol Avery, series Instructor. 

The series kicks off with a “get acquainted” session before the seven-week series begins. Come find out what topics will be covered, meet the leaders, enjoy some treats and fill out some paperwork. A $10.00 grocery gift card will be given to anyone 66 years and older who fills out a special survey from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

During the workshop, participants receive support from trained leaders and other workshop participants. They learn and practice strength and balance exercises. They will find out how medications, vision, safe footwear and home modifications can reduce their risk of falls. Guest speakers, experts in their fields of physical therapy, vision and medicine, enhance the learning process.

Classes will be taught at Sandy City Fire Station #31 located at 9010 South 150 East. Sessions meet weekly for two hours, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. There is a break half-way through the sessions.

To participate in, or for more information on, the workshop, you must register with either Carol Avery by phone, 385-468-3878 or e-mail, [email protected], or Cindy Elliot, 385-468-3917 or [email protected]. The deadline for registration is April 17.