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Elderly Woman with Walker

ALERT

Due to the recent cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Maryland, we are canceling our group events and meetings until further notice. This is being done to protect our patients, staff and visitors. We will announce on this page and Facebook when events will resume as normal.

Thank you for your understanding.

Stepping On is an evidence-based fall prevention program that empowers older adults to carry out health behaviors that reduce the risks of falls. It is a community-based workshop offered once a week for seven weeks using adult education and self-efficacy principles. Our focus is on the following:

  • Improving balance and strength
  • Home and environmental safety
  • Vision and medication review

Stepping On workshops are based on participation, mutual support, and success, which builds the participants' confidence in their ability to manage their health behaviors to reduce the risk of falls and to maintain active and fulfilling lives.

How Stepping On works

  • The program is designed to assist older adults to take control of their risk, explore different coping behaviors and encourage follow-through of safety strategies in everyday life.
  • The program includes both a group workshop setting and individualized follow-up.
  • Workshops are facilitated by two individuals, either two trained leaders, or one leader and a peer leader.
  • A leader is a current or retired healthcare professional, social worker, aging network professional, health educator or fitness expert who has successfully completed the Stepping On leader training program. The peer leader is an older adult who has successfully completed the Stepping On workshop.

Program Timeline

The program is offered in a two hour session once a week for seven weeks, followed by a home visit or phone call to each participant after the seventh session, and a booster session three months after.

UM Capital Region Health offers free classes for the community. Classes can hold up to 15 participants. Class sessions are held in the fall and spring of each year.

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