Stony Brook Trauma Center, in collaboration with community organizations, offers evidence-based fall prevention programs throughout Suffolk County and on Zoom. Visit our FallsFree Long Island website to learn more about programs, our partners, and how to get invovled.
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Our Programs
We also encorage you to visit SeniorPlanet.org from AARP to find free technology classes, exercise programs, and discussion groups.
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention (TCA) is a falls prevention program that uses the principles and movements of Tai Chi to help people improve their balance and increase their confidence in doing everyday activities.
This evidence- based program is proven to reduce falls and improve fitness and is designed for older adults who are interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength. More detailed program information can be found here.
Classes are led by a trained/certified instructor; at least twice a week for 60 minutes for 10 weeks.
Tai Chi is not just good for balance; take a look at the National Institute for Health's Summary of Tai Chi Health Benefits.
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There are 3 Levels of the program offered, each level is a 10-week workshop.
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Participants will learn:
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Schedule- We've Gone Virtual!
*Tai Chi workshops on Zoom are open to anyone. In-person programs will be announced as they scheduled. Programs are free, but you must register in advance.
Tai Chi on Zoom FAQs:
- Participants must have cameras on (required)
- For tech support related to Zoom, cameras/webcams, or other computer support, please use the free Senior Planet Tech Support Hotline phone number: 888-713-3495. Open from 9:00am – 8:00pm EDT, Monday – Friday and 9:00am – 2:00pm EDT on Saturday
- Participants must join by week 2 and plan to attend regularly
- New particpants are encouraged to register for more than 1 TCA workshop (Level 1) so you can mix and match your schedule to attend regulalry
- Class session are not recorded, but you can purchase DVD or online lessons from the Tai Chi for Health Institute for extra practice
Spring REGISTRATION is OPEN For Workshops held July 14 - Septmeber 19, 2025
Next 2025 Workshop Series Beginning weeks of: October 13 (Fall) (2026 start dates coming soon)
Workshops are held at least twice a week for 10 weeks, all times are Eastern Time (ET)
To be added to the contact list for future workshops, please JOIN the FallsFree Long Island Contact List
Click Here for the Tai Chi Flyer
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TCA: Level One Mondays & Thursdays 3:00pm-4:00pmET REGISTER HERE Wednesdays & Fridays 9:30am-10:30amET REGISTER HERE Please note, *you must complete TCA (Level 1) before registering for another level.* You can register for any/all TCA workshops to mix/match days and times to fit your schedule. |
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TCA 2: Level Two Mondays & Thursdays 1:30pm-2:30pm and Fridays 10:30am-11:30amET REGISTER HERE This workshop is currently offered 3 days/week *You must complete TCA before registering for TCA 2* |
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Full Form Practice/Review Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays 3:00pm-3:30pm Tuesdays/Thursdays 9:00am-10:00am Contact FallsFree@StonyBrookMedicine.edu to register *You must complete TCA 2 before registering for Full Form*
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Many older adults experience a fear of falling. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. A Matter of Balance is a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. It includes 8 two-hour sessions for a small group of 8-12 participants led by a trained facilitator. More detailed program information can be found here.
Participants will learn to:
- View falls as controllable
- Set goals for increasing activity
- Make changes to reduce fall risk at home
- Exercise to increase strength and balance
Schedule
Workshops are currently being scheduled. To be contacted when the next virtual program is available, please JOIN the FallsFree Long Island Contact List
Interested in being a Coach for the program? Click Here for more information.
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*Workshops on Zoom are open to anyone. In-person programs will be announced as they scheduled. Programs are free, but you must register in advance. |
Stepping On brings together the life experience of its participants and the expertise of community professionals. From the first session, participants put new skills to use. Group members set short term goals each week - goals that focus on life activities that are most important to them. Physical therapists, pharmacists and other experts help the group adapt fall prevention practices for individual needs and levels. It includes 7 two-hour sessions for a small group of 10-14 participants led by a trained facilitator. More detailed program information can be found here.
Participants will:
- Practice exercises to increase strength and balance
- Discuss topics that include home hazards, safe footwear, vision and falls, community mobility, coping after a fall, and understanding how to initiate a medication review
- Speak with guest experts about how to reduce fall risks
Schedule:
Workshops are currently being scheduled, please JOIN the FallsFree Long Island Contact List
Participants should be able to join at least 5 of the 7 sessions. Participants must attend at least one of the September sessions.
| *Workshops on Zoom are open to anyone. In-person programs will be announced as they scheduled. Programs are free, but you must register in advance. |
Otago Exercise Program consists of 17 strength and balance exercises and a walking program, performed three times a week by the participant in the home, outpatient, or community setting. Exercises can be done individually or as part of a group workshop. The program is most effective for older adults who have fallen recently or feel unsteady when walking. A Physical Therapist (PT) or Occupational Therapist (OT) will assess and prescribe the initial exercises, and participants will be guided through the exercises either with their PT/OT or in a group class workshop over an 8-week period.
Participants will:
- Learn specific exercises to improve balance and strength
- Understand how to make the exercises more challenging over time
- Be encouraged to practice the exercises 3 times per week on their own
- Add a walking routine when able
Physical Therapy:
One-on-One Otago is available at certified outpatient physical therapy sites with a healthcare provider's referral/prescription. Ask about adding the Otago Exercise Program to your plan of care:
- Stony Brook Southampton Hospital Physical Therapy: (631) 726-8520
- Stony Brook University Hospital Physical Therapy: (631) 444-4240
- St. Joseph Hospital (Bethpage) Physical Therapy: (516) 520-2280
Otago Group Workshops
Otago can also be offered as a group workshop, meeting once a week for 8-weeks. Workshops are currently being scheduled. To be contacted when the next program is available, please JOIN the FallsFree Long Island Contact List