Falls Prevention Community Programs
Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults 65+ years old. However, falls can happen at any age.
The Maryland Trauma Quality Improvement Committee Injury Prevention Group has put together a list of community programs here in Maryland that offer falls prevention education.
Types of education:
- Exercise-based
- Didactic/Lecture-based
- Service-based, direct intervention
Anne Arundel County
List of programs offered to Anne Arundel County Residents.
A low-impact class focusing on joint stability, range of motion, posture, and balance. Perform exercises and movements to improve mobility and the functional fitness needed to complete everyday tasks.
Hosted by YMCA of Central Maryland
Class Type: Exercise-based
Session Length: 1 hour
Cost: included in gym membership
Website: Y of Maryland
Group fitness class, all exercises and aerobics can be done sitting or standing and are very adaptive. Classes consist of a warm up, aerobics, balance, strength, stretching, and an educational component. SAIL is a strength, balance and fitness program for adults 65 and older. SAIL focuses on teaching and performing exercises that improve strength, balance and fitness, which will allow adults to stay active and reduce chances of falling.
Hosted by R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center
Class Type: Exercise-based
Session Length: 1 hour
Cost: Free
Website: SAIL
Baltimore County
List of programs offered to Baltimore County Residents.
Bingo-like evidence based program that aims to help older adults maintain mobility, independence, learn information on falls reduction, and improved nutrition.
Hosted by Baltimore County Department of Aging
Class Type: Exercise-based, Didactic/Lecture-based
Duration: 10-week program that meets 2x/week
Session Length: 1 hour each session
Cost: included in $80 annual fee
Website: Bingocize
Physical activities that can be performed while seated in a chair or at a desk, aimed to improve strength and function.
Hosted by Baltimore County Department of Aging
Class Type: Exercise-based
Session Length: 1 hour
Cost: included in $80 annual fee
Website: Chair Exercise Classes
Evidence based exercise group and falls prevention program aimed at increasing fitness and learning exercise tools for strength, training, balance, and flexibility.
Hosted by Baltimore County Department of Aging
Class Type: Exercise-based
Session Length: 1 hour
Cost: included in $80 annual fee
Website: Enhance Fitness
Class that aims to improve coordination and well-being with exercise.
Hosted by Baltimore County Department of Aging
Cost: included in $80 annual fee
Website: Move with Balance
Rock Steady Boxing is an exercise program designed to improve the mobility, balance, and strength of people fighting Parkinson’s. Placement in class requires an assessment by the instructor.
Hosted by YMCA of Central Maryland
Duration: 1-month program
Session: 1 hour
Cost: included in gym membership
Website: Rock Steady Boxing
Low impact exercise with slow movements aimed to improve balance and flexbility. Aims to address muscle weakness, poor balance, poor vision, and lack of confidence by utilizing tai chi movements. Participants can elect to either purchase DVD’s and follow the program on their own or register for 1 hour long group classes led by a certified trainer. Participants led through a warm up, directed movement, and then cooldown.
Hosted by Baltimore County Department of Aging
Class Type: Exercise-based
Session: varies
Cost: included in $80 annual fee
Website: Tai Chi
Howard County
List of programs offered to Howard County Residents.
Low-impact physical activity program proven to reduce pain and decrease stiffness. Includes gentle range-of-motion exercises that are suitable for every fitness level and ability. Led by a trained program leader
Hosted by Howard County Office on Aging and Independence
Class Type: Exercise-based
Session Length: 1 hour
Join others with similar goals, and learn proper techniques to improve your balance under the guidance of instructors trained in the evidence-based Better Balance protocol. A pre-screening is required before enrolling.
Hosted by Howard County Office on Aging and Independence
Class Type: Exercise-based
Session Length: 1 hour
Website: Better Balance
The purpose of the program is to provide resources and support for healthy aging in the community. Services include: Home safety consultations. Home modifications and durable medical equipment. Cognitive screenings. Education and training sessions. Student internships for occupational therapy students.
Hosted by Howard County Office on Aging and Independence
Class Type: Service-based, direct intervention
Session Length: varies depending on need
Cost: services are subject to the availability of funds. Priority is given to lower income status.
Website: Community Living Program
Multiple resources and links for Howard County residents seeking information/education on falls prevention. The Local Health Improvement Coalition is a community partnership of more than 40 organizations that is managed by Healthy Howard and funded by the Howard County Health Department.
Hosted by Howard County Health Department
Contact: LHIC@healthyhowardmd.org
Rock Steady Boxing is an exercise program designed to improve the mobility, balance, and strength of people fighting Parkinson’s. Placement in class requires an assessment by the instructor.
Hosted by Howard County Office on Aging and Independence
Class Type: Exercise-based
Duration: 1 month
Session Length: 1 hour
Cost: ~$100
Website: Rock Steady Boxing
Queen Anne's County
List of programs offered to Queen Anne's County Residents.
Evidence based exercise group and falls prevention program aimed at increasing fitness and learning exercise tools for strength, training, balance, and flexibility. Group fitness used to motivate older adults to becomes more active. Exercises have been packaged into a formal regimen focusing on four key areas important to the health and fitness of mature participants: low impact cardiovascular; dynamic/static balance work, strength training and stretching. Instructors provide own music.
Hosted by Queen Anne’s County Government – Area Agency on Aging Senior Centers
Class Type: Exercise-based
Session Length: 1 hour
Website: Enhance Fitness
