S.A.F.E. Falls Program Launches at Stony Brook Southampton
A new program designed to help older adults improve balance, strength and confidence in daily activities was introduced this summer at Stony Brook Southampton.
The S.A.F.E. (Strength, Awareness, Function, Education) Falls Prevention Program is an eight-week workshop developed by Stony Brook University’s School of Health Professions in collaboration with Stony Brook Southampton Hospital and its Trauma Center.
Led by graduate students in the university’s Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy programs under faculty supervision, the classes combine exercise, education and practical strategies to reduce fall risk and improve quality of life. The program began in August with 24 older adults participating in an in-depth falls screening and assessment. From the initial group of 24, 12 individuals were enrolled in the first workshop. Those not admitted were provided with referrals to other community programs to ensure they receive appropriate support.
Stacy Jaffee Gropack, dean of the School of Health Professions, said the program reflects the university’s commitment to community partnerships. “I am glad that we are able to work with our colleagues at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital to support these interprofessional initiatives, strengthen our partnerships, and most importantly support the community,” she said.
The program was designed by occupational therapy and physical therapy faculty members Christina Burke, Hannah Mercier and Darlene Piraino, who oversaw curriculum development and are now guiding students through its delivery. It is supported by the falls prevention team at Stony Brook Medicine, including Sarah Cohen, administrator of the Center for Parkinson’s Disease at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital; Kristi Ladowski, associate director, injury prevention and community integration; Brittany Gambini, coordinator, falls prevention; and Margaret Sheryll, director of operations for the School of Health Professions, Southampton Campus.
The S.A.F.E. program meets once a week for two hours, bringing together older adults from the East End of Long Island for balance and strengthening exercises, as well as instruction on falls prevention, and fills a critical need for older adults in underserved communities on the East End of Long Island who may have limited access to similar resources.
Stony Brook’s occupational therapy and physical therapy students gain hands-on experience working with patients under the close supervision of faculty throughout the workshop. The program will continue to be supported by a School of Health Professions Seed Grant, which will allow it to double in the next semester.