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Serving over 2.6 million people, Stanford Medicine is the only Level 1 Adult and Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons (ASC) on the peninsula of the San Francisco Bay Area. We provide specialized care to over 3700 patients per year and handle 20-25 consults daily. We offer exceptional 24-hours-a-day onsite trauma specialists in a state-of-the art facility, fully equipped to handle any medical or surgical emergency.
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Palo Alto, CA 94304
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Fall Prevention for Older Adults
An estimated one in three older adults, 65 years and older, fall each year. That number increases to an estimated one in two for those over 80. The good news is that there are ways to reduce falls and stay independent, including:
- Exercise – Improve your gait (manner of walking), strength, and balance
- Medication review – Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and vitamins and minerals in order to look at side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness.
- Home safety – About 50% of falls by older adults happen in the home. Go through your home thoroughly to remove hazards, such as clutter and things to trip on. Consider adding supports like grab bars in your bathroom and using night lights and better lighting in your home.
- Check your vision – Get annual eye exams
Download our Home Safety Checklist to learn more.
Stanford Health Care offers four fall prevention programs:
Farewell to Falls
This free, home-based, fall prevention education program sends an occupational therapist to the home to look at the multi-faceted risk factors associated with falls. The therapist assesses strength and balance, and a home safety evaluation with recommendations is completed.
Medications are reviewed by a Stanford Health Care pharmacist, home exercises are recommended, and information and education on other risk factors are provided. This program offers two visits, and follow-up phone calls are made monthly. After one year, the occupational therapist returns to the home for a third visit and re-evaluation.
Eligibility requirements:
- 65 years or older
- Lives in Santa Clara or San Mateo County
- Ambulatory (cane or walker ok)
- Lives in own home or apartment
- Interested in participating in a full multi-faceted visit
- Cognitively able to provide health history and fully participate
- No alcohol dependency
Self-referrals are welcome. To enroll or get more information about Farewell to Falls, please email FarewelltoFalls@Stanfordhealthcare.org or call 650-724-9369
A Matter of Balance
A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based program for older adults. 10 to 12 older adults meet for 8 two-hour sessions either once or twice weekly in senior centers and other community settings in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Through facilitated discussions, group activities and exercise, older adults learn strategies to help reduce fear of falling and fall risks. Program dates and sites vary.
To enroll in A Matter of Balance class or get more information please email FarewelltoFalls@Stanfordhealthcare.org or call 650-724-9369.
Stepping On
Stepping On is an evidence-based program developed in Australia and has been shown to decrease falls by 31%. Older adults meet in a group setting for two hours once a week for seven weeks.
Sessions include facilitated discussions and guest speakers, including a physical or occupational therapist, pharmacist, vision specialist, and community safety expert. Exercises are taught and practiced each week. A home visit is offered at the end of the seven weeks, and participants come together for a "booster session" three months later.
To enroll in a Stepping On class or get more information please email FarewelltoFalls@Stanfordhealthcare.org or call 650-724-9369.
Bingocize
Bingocize is an evidence-based fall prevention program that can be offered in-person or virtually. BINGO + EXERCISE = BINGOCIZE! 10 to 20 older adults, aged 65 years and older, gather two times/week for one hour for 10 weeks to play Bingo, learn fall prevention information and exercise together.
To enroll in a Bingocize class or get more information please email FarewelltoFalls@Stanfordhealthcare.org or call 650-724-9369.
More on Fall Prevention
Experts on fall prevention may be available to present to groups of at least 12 older adults or professionals in Santa Clara or San Mateo County. For more information, please email FarewelltoFalls@Stanfordhealthcare.org or call 650-724-9369.
For more information on fall prevention, visit:
