Fall prevention classes go digital

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it more difficult to look after the people you love. We’re calling more frequently and visiting when we can do so outside and at a safe physical distance.

We’ve got one more tool to help you care for the older folks in your family and to protect them against falling. Turns out that for people 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries. The risk is potentially greater now with so many people isolated and confined to their homes.

That’s why we’re taking our fall prevention program, Take the Right Steps, virtual. Simone Carter, our trauma prevention and education coordinator, teaches the class to more than 2,000 people each year, visiting adult community centers, day care centers and senior living communities. Now it’s available live in the comfort of your loved one’s home.

"We still need this class because more people are housebound because of COVID-19,” said Simone. “We believe fall prevention education can reduce injuries for an older adult."

The free one-hour class builds confidence and empowers and encourages your family member to manage their health. They’ll learn that side effects from their medication, poor vision and balance, difficulty walking, and home hazards all contribute to falls.

The people you care for will likely have an “ah ha” moment when they realize how easy it is to make lifestyle changes that protect them. Call Simone at 503-413-2826 to ask her any questions or to sign up for the class.

For more information on Legacy's safety and injury prevention programs, click here.