Falls Programs

Stony Brook Trauma Center, in collaboration with community organizations, offers evidence-based fall prevention programs throughout Suffolk County. If you would like to schedule a program in your club house, library, senior center, or other community location, please email Kristi.Ladowski@StonyBrookMedicine.edu

Our Programs

• Tai Chi
• A Matter of Balance
• Stepping On

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention:

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention is a falls prevention program that uses the principles and movements of Tai Chi to help senior citizens 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; 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. 

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.

New to Zoom or want to get more out of it? Stony Brook University students are available (virtually) to explore the features of Zoom to help you get the most out of your tai chi practice.  You can also arrange a Zoom practice session to check your setup before the first day of class.  Email Kristi.Ladowski@StonyBrookMedicine.edu to get connected to student support.  All support is free, no cost.

REGISTRATION is CLOSED For Workshops held Jan 23 - Mar 31, 2023

Next 2023 Workshop Series Beginning Dates: April 17, July 17, and October 9

Workshops are held twice a week for ~10 weeks, all times are Eastern Time (ET)

To be added to the contact list for future workshops, please CLICK HERE to Join Tai Chi Contact List.

Click Here for the Tai Chi Flyer

A Matter of Balance:

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 CLICK HERE to Join A Matter of Balance Contact List

Interested in being a Coach for the program? Click Here for more information. 

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.  To be contacted when the next virtual program is available, please CLICK HERE to Join Stepping On Contact List