HOISINGTON — “Stepping On – Building Confidence and Reducing Falls for the Elderly” will be offered by Clara Barton Hospital beginning next month. The class will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays for seven weeks Oct. 21 thru Dec. 9th (with no class held on Nov. 4th).  The course will be held in the Hoisington Activity Center classroom, 1200 Susank Rd.
The Stepping On program is research-based and scientifically proven to reduce falls by over 30% among participants.  During the workshops participants will learn the most up-to-date information about fall prevention. Workshop topics include falls and risks, strength and balance exercises, initiating a medication review, vision exam, home safety, safe footwear and what to do and how to cope if a fall occurs.  The course will be followed by a home assessment at three-months and six- months.   Workshops and home visits will be facilitated by Clara Barton’s “Stepping On Leadership Team” Danelle Leiker RPT, Rana Ingram RN, and Cora Allen RN.  Each facilitator recently completed a three day Stepping On Leader Training course offered thru KDHE Office of Injury Prevention.
Upon completion of the program in December, “Stepping On” participants will be empowered to carry out health behaviors that reduce the risks of falls. Mutual support and success build participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health behaviors to reduce the risk of falls and maintain active and fulfilling lives.
“We are pleased to offer the “Stepping On” program.  Our focus as a Level IV Trauma Center is on injury prevention.  We have identified fall prevention as a need for the elderly members of our community. By offering effective fall prevention programs, we can reduce falls and help older adults’ live better, longer lives,” explained Curt Colson, President and CEO of Clara Barton Hospital.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required.  
Eligibility requirements include:
•    Age 60 and older
•    Had a fall in the last year or have a fear of falling
•    Able to move independently on own or with the assistance (cane or walker)
If you would like to be considered for this course please call Paula Hofmeister at 620-653-5081 or Jane Schepmann at 620-653-5056.  Class size is limited.   A second class will be offered in the spring.
Clara Barton Hospital is a Critical Access Hospital, Skilled Swing Bed Facility, and Level IV Trauma center located in Hoisington, Ks. While operating on the cutting edge of medical technology, Clara Barton provides diagnostic and treatment services to patients in and around Barton County through Clara Barton Hospital, Clara Barton Medical Clinic, Russell Family Medical Care, Clara Barton Surgical Services, Clara Barton Specialty Outreach Clinic, and Clara Barton Surgical Services-Orthopedics. For more information about Clara Barton Hospital and Clinics, please visit www.clarabartonhospital.org.