Stanford Fall Prevention Programs
People with Parkinson's are at high risk of falling due to problems with balance, rigidity, and slowness of movement. Serious falls can lead to injuries, which may require hospitalization or long-term rehabilitation. 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. Half of all falls are in the home. Some keys to preventing falls include exercise, a safe home environment, medication review and management, and an annual eye exam.
Stanford Health Care's Trauma Center has three programs to address exercise and one program focused on home safety. These are evidence-based offerings — reducing falls by 30% — for older adults in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.
For information on all these programs, contact Stanford Health Care Trauma Center, phone 650-724-9369. See our full list of fall prevention classes in Northern California.
Three Exercise Programs for Fall Prevention
Stanford's three evidence-based exercise programs include:
Matter of Balance: eight two-hour sessions (once or twice weekly) in community settings. Through facilitated discussions, group activities and exercise, older adults learn strategies to help reduce fear of falling and fall risks. Class size is limited (10-12).
Stepping On: seven two-hour sessions (weekly) in community settings. 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 seven weeks. Participants come together for a "booster session" three months later. Developed in Australia.
Bingocize: ten one-hour sessions (twice weekly) in-person in community settings or virtually. This is a combination of bingo and exercise, where participants learn fall prevention information and exercise together. Class size is limited (10-20).
Stanford's Farewell to Falls Program
- Age 65 years or older
- Reside in Santa Clara or San Mateo County
- Live in independent living situation in own home, condominium, townhouse, apartment or senior retirement unit
- Able to provide own health history and follow instructions
- Willingness to follow 1/2 hour exercise regimen at least three times/week
View brochure and visit program's website.
If you live outside of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, consult Stanford's Home Safety Checklist for how you can make your home safer.
Fall Prevention Resources
We have a webpage on resources for PD fall prevention and tips for fall prevention in older adults.