Fall Prevention Programs in Northern California

San Francisco - Always Active, Tai Chi for Fall Prevention

Classes are offered both virtually and in-person at multiple locations

Contact: Diana Lara Rodgers, 415-550-2209, or Paige Straus, 415-550-2205

Notes:

• Multicomponent group exercise classes incorporate: aerobics, balance, flexibility, and strength using hand weights, resistance bands, and other props such as ladders, color dots and balls to improve coordination, power, and balance
• Classes are drop-in and led by trained, certified professionals
• Free to seniors over age 60, donations accepted
• Link to the current schedule of classes

San Francisco - Balance Fit

Location:  UCSF Health and Wellness Center, 1675 Owens St., Rm. 195, San Francisco, CA 94158

Contact:  UCSF Dept. of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science,
415-514-4816

Notes:

• Exercises are designed to improve stability and reduce falls by working on balance and coordination, strength, cognitive flexibility, speed, and agility.  
• $25 per class, $80 for four classes
• $85 baseline assessment required prior to enrollment
• Classes are taught by UCSF physical therapist, Dr. Erica Pitsch, DPT

San Francisco - Balance Fit Functional Fundamentals

Virtual class with a live instructor

Contact:  UCSF Dept. of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, 415-514-4816

Notes:

• Focus is on the building blocks of balance in a safe, supportive environment by building leg strength, standing posture, multitasking, and being able to move through space confidently and effectively.  
• $20 per class
• $85 baseline assessment required prior to enrollment
• Classes are taught by UCSF physical therapist, Dr. Erica Pitsch, PT

Belmont - A Matter of Balance

Location: Twin Pines Senior Center, 20 Twin Pines Ln., Belmont, CA 94002, 650-595-7444

Contact: Corrie Fuhrman, recreation supervisor, Twin Pines Senior Center, 650-595-7445

Notes:

• Designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls as controllable, make changes to reduce fall risk at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
• Class offered occasionally through collaborative effort of Stanford Health Care and Sequoia Hospital
• Open to seniors 60 years+
• Free

Burlingame - Balance Fitness

Location: Peninsula Healthcare District, Health and Fitness Center, 1875 Trousdale Dr., Burlingame, CA 94010, 650-448-1472

Contact: Richard Bergstrom, 650-448-1472

Notes:

• Condition your core and balance to avoid injury.
• Exercises are performed seated in a chair and standing. Chairs are available to support standing and balancing postures. 
• Free for fitness center members, $20 for non-members

Menlo Park - Balance Boost

Hybrid: Virtual and at Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025

Contact: Little House, 650-326-2025

Notes:

• Feel more aware of your body, strengthen your core, increase agility, improve balance, and feel more grounded.
• $15/class or free with Primary or higher PVI membership (starting at $60/month)

Menlo Park - Bingocize

Location: Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025

Contact: Lindsay Hopkins, 650-272-5018, Little House Program Manager

Notes:

• Combines the game of bingo with exercise. Play bingo, exercise together, and learn about techniques to reduce falls.
• Classes are offered occasionally through a collaborative effort with Stanford Health Care
• Open to seniors 60 years+
• Free

Redwood City - A Matter of Balance

Location: Sequoia Hospital Health & Wellness Center, 749 Brewster Ave., Redwood City, CA 94062

Contact: Sequoia Health & Wellness Center,  650-367-5101

Notes:

• Designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls as controllable, make changes to reduce fall risk at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
• Open to seniors 60 years+
• Free

Redwood City - Biodex SD Balance System Program

Location: The Armory, 939 Valota Rd., Redwood City, CA 94061

Contact: Adaptive Physical Education, 650-368-7732

Notes:

• Comprehensive fall risk screening and conditioning program
• This equipment increases mobility, assesses fall risk, improves balance, develops muscle tone, and increases agility

San Carlos - A Matter of Balance

Location: San Carlos Community Center, 601 Chestnut St., San Carlos, CA 94070

Contact: Matt Okada, 650-802-4113

Notes:

• Designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. View falls as controllable. Make changes to reduce fall risk at home. Exercise to increase strength and balance.
• Class offered occasionally through collaborative effort of Stanford Health Care and Sequoia Hospital
• Open to seniors 60 years+
• Free

Stanford - Bingocize

Location: In your home or virtual

Contact: Stanford Health Care Farewell to Falls, 650-724-9369

Notes:

• Bingo + Exercise = Bingocize. Play Bingo, learn fall prevention information and exercise together.
• Classes offered occasionally through collaborative effort of Stanford Health Care and other local organizations
• Class size is limited
• Open to seniors 65 years+
• Free

Stanford - Farewell to Falls

Location: In your home

Contact: Stanford Health Care Farewell to Falls, 650-724-9369

Notes:

• 2 home visits by an OT for assessment, medication review, home safety survey, fall reduction suggestions, and exercise demonstration
• Requires willingness to follow an ongoing exercise regimen
• Must live in an independent living situation in San Mateo or Santa Clara County
• Offered by Stanford Health Care
• Open to seniors 65 years+
• Free

Stanford - A Matter of Balance

Offered virtually and in multiple locations on the San Francisco Peninsula

Contact: Stanford Health Care Farewell to Falls, 650-725-2196

Notes:

• Designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls as controllable, make changes to reduce fall risk at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
• In-person classes offered occasionally through collaborative effort of Stanford Health Care and other local organizations
• Open to seniors 65 years+
• Free

Stanford - Stepping On

Offered virtually and in multiple locations on the San Francisco Peninsula

Contact: Stanford Health Care Farewell to Falls, 650-725-2196

Notes:

• 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, and participants come together for a "booster session" three months later.
• In-person classes offered occasionally through collaborative effort of Stanford Health Care and other local organizations
• Open to seniors 65 years+
• Free

Cupertino - Bingocize

Contact:  Stanford Health Care Farewell to Falls, 650-724-9369

Notes:

• Combines the game of bingo with exercise. Play bingo, exercise together, and learn about techniques to reduce falls.
• Classes are offered occasionally through a collaborative effort with Stanford Health Care
• Open to seniors age 60 years+
• Free
• Class size is limited 

Cupertino - A Matter of Balance

Location: Cupertino Senior Center, 21251 Steven's Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014

Contact: Kris Garcia, 408-777-3380

Notes:

• Designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls as controllable, make changes to reduce fall risk at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
• Classes are offered occasionally through a collaborative effort with Stanford Health Care
• Open to seniors 60 years+
• Free
• Class is limited to 12 participants

Los Gatos - Bingocize

Location:  Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation, 123 E Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030.

Contact:  55+ Office, 408-354-1514

Notes:

• Combines the game of bingo with exercise. Play bingo, exercise together, and learn about techniques to reduce falls.
• Classes are offered occasionally through a collaborative effort with Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
• Open to seniors age 60 years+
• Free
• Class size is limited 

Mountain View - A Matter of Balance

Location: Mountain View Senior Center, 266 Escuela Ave., Mountain View, CA 94040

Contact: Alejandra Hernandez, recreation coordinator, Mountain View Senior Center, 650-903-6442. Register at senior center front desk.

Notes:

• Designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls as controllable, make changes to reduce fall risk at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
• Classes are offered occasionally through a collaborative effort with Stanford Health Care
• Open to seniors 60 years+
• Free

Santa Clara - A Matter of Balance

Location: Santa Clara Senior Center, 1303 Fremont St, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Contact: Santa Clara Senior Center: 408-615-3170

Notes:

• Designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls as controllable, make changes to reduce fall risk at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
• Classes are offered occasionally through a collaborative effort with Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
• Open to seniors 60 years+
• Free

San Jose - Bingocize

Location:  Cypress Community Center, 403 S. Cypress Ave., San Jose, CA 95117

Notes:

• Combines the game of bingo with exercise. Play bingo, exercise together, and learn about techniques to reduce falls.
• Classes are offered occasionally through a collaborative effort with Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
• Open to seniors age 60 years+
• Free
• Class size is limited 

San Jose - A Matter of Balance

Location: Willow Glen Community Center, 2175 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Contact: Willow Glen Community Center: 408-448-6400

Notes:

• Designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls as controllable, make changes to reduce fall risk at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
• Classes are offered occasionally through a collaborative effort with Stanford Health Care
• Open to seniors 60 years+
• Free

Contra Costa County - A Matter of Balance

Location: Offered virtually and in multiple locations in the county

Contact: Matt LoPinto, 925-937-8311, Diablo Region Meals on Wheels (ask for Fall Prevention Program)

Notes:

• Evidence-based exercise program for older adults, designed to engage participants in completing exercises as well as interactive group discussion
• Program goals focus on reducing the fear of falling, increasing confidence, mobility, strength, and balance

Contra Costa County - Fall Prevention Program

Contact: Diablo Region Meals on Wheels, 925-937-8311 (ask for Fall Prevention Program)

Notes:

• Free home safety assessment and home modifications to prevent falls and increase safety

Oakland - Fall Prevention Class

Location: 3801 Howe St., Lower Level, Rm. 6-27, Oakland, CA 94611

Contact: Kaiser Oakland Health Education Dept., 510-752-6150 

Notes:

• Participants will learn the causes of falls, home safety tips, and exercises to improve balance and coordination

Location: Share the Care Napa Valley, 162 S. Coombs St., Napa, CA 94559

Contact: Share the Care Napa Valley, Heather, 707-492-3198

Notes:

• Stop Falls Prevention Program provides screening, home safety assessments by a licensed occupational therapist, and home modifications as well as assistive device installation by a contractor.
• Matter of Balance in-person classes offered at various locations throughout the year.Designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls as controllable, make changes to reduce fall risk at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
• Free
• Adults age 60 and older, or disabled

Petaluma - Fall Prevention Program

Location: Petaluma Health Center, 1179 North McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, CA 94954

Contact: Petaluma Health Center, 707-559-7500 (Mon-Fri, 7am-8pm)

Notes:

• Virtual or in-person class options. In both, coaches will help you manage fear-of-falling, set goals to increase activity, learn and practice simple exercises, identify and fix fall hazards in your home
• Occasionally offered in Spanish

Sonoma County - Fall Prevention Program

Locations: Various locations throughout Sonoma County

Contact: Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging, 707-565-5936

Notes:

• A Matter of Balance fall prevention program is designed to manage falls and increase activity, make changes to reduce fall risk at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance
• Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention is an evidence-based program using slow, gentle movements to improve balance, strength, flexibility, and confidence, reducing fall risk and easing arthritis pain
• Classes offered occasionally
• Free

Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties- A Matter of Balance

Location: Multiple locations

Contact: Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, 831-427-5070

Notes: 

• Designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls as controllable, make changes to reduce fall risk at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
• In-person classes offered occasionally throughout the year
• Open to seniors 60 years+
• Free

Merced County - Fall Prevention Program

Locations: Living Well Cafe locations in Dos Palos, Los Banos, Merced, and Atwater

Contact: Merced County Human Services Area Agency on Aging, 209-385-7550

Notes: 

• Classes offered occasionally. 
• See the Merced County Area Agency on Aging Events Calendar
• A Matter of Balance fall prevention program is designed to manage falls and increase activity, make changes to reduce fall risk at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance
• Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention is an evidence-based program using slow, gentle movements to improve balance, strength, flexibility, and confidence, reducing fall risk and easing arthritis pain
• Bingocize combines the game of Bingo with exercise. Play Bingo, exercise together and learn about techniques to reduce falls
• Classes offered occasionally
• Free

Modesto - A Matter of Balance

Location: 3224 McHenry Ave., Suite F, Modesto, CA 95350

Contact: Healthy Aging Association, 209-618-4720

Notes: 

• Emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Learn to change environment to reduce fall risk. Exercise to increase strength and balance.
• Class offered occasionally
• Free