Waukesha County has one of the highest fall rates among seniors in the entire country, according to the CDC. In Wisconsin, falls account for 74% of all injury-related deaths for adults 65 years and older. Slip and fall injuries are more likely to occur during the cold and icy winter months.
Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Elmbrook Campus is working to keep more older adults healthy and out of the hospital. Ascension Elmbrook holds annual Fall Prevention Fairs to provide tips and techniques aimed at improving strength, balance and confidence to help reduce falls among seniors. The event connects patients and community members to clinicians and programs that teach fall prevention year-round.
“Safety is our number one priority, and we hope to reach that demographic who needs this information the most and teach them what they can do to reduce falls,” Ascension Wisconsin Physical Therapist Narin Avci said.
In addition, Ascension Elmbrook regularly holds Stepping On classes for older adults, which help increase mobility to help prevent falls from happening.
“I thought it was fantastic,” Stepping On participant Marianne Sem said. “I’m so glad they have something out there for people like me, especially the exercise class. I was very nervous and afraid of falling before. I can now say, that fear is gone.”
The Stepping On two-month course includes classes that assist older adults and education that can improve awareness and balance including:
- Strength and balance exercises
- How to get back on your feet if you do fall
- Home safety tips and tools for daily living
- How vision impacts balance
- Medications that can lead to falls
- Importance of calcium and vitamin D
- Community safety tips
- Resources available in the community
“It’s more than exercises to strengthen their bodies, or learning techniques for how to get up after a fall, we also invite guest experts who come in each week,” Avci said. “That includes physical and occupational therapists and even first responders to teach general safety while out and about in the community.”
Stepping On even includes sessions where participants practice walking up curbs, ramps or uneven sidewalks, as well as testing out walkers, canes and walking sticks.
“I’m really impressed with Ascension,” Sem said. “I just think that the people who are helping are very friendly and make me feel comfortable to speak with them, like a best friend or a neighbor.”
The annual Falls Prevention Fair is currently planned for September 2025. Stepping On classes take place this spring, beginning Monday, April 28th - June 16th. To sign up for Stepping On classes and to connect with Ascension Elmbrook and other community resources all year long, call 262-785-2293.
