April falls: Occupational therapist Blanche Kairies runs a program to help educate seniors with techniques to prevent them from falling. She is pictured with participant Joyce Tindale. Picture: Chris Lane
A COMMUNITY program is aiming to reduce the risk of seniors falling.
Stepping On — a project based on the Clinical Excellence Commission's April Falls Month campaign — has been designed by occupational therapists to educate older people with fall prevention techniques.
The seven-week program, targeted at people over 65, also highlights common risk factors for participants and incorporates simple balance and strength exercises into each session.
Occupational therapist Blanche Kairies, who co-ordinates Stepping On programs in southern Sydney, said each session focused on a different aspect of falls prevention including home safety, falls in the community, nutrition and medications, and staying active.
Fellow occupation therapist Elyssa Dix said: "Preventing falls means that older adults could live safely at home for as long as possible."
Each session is run by an experienced occupational therapist with guest speakers and past participants regularly attending.
Stepping On, details and venues: 9544 1173.