What is Stepping on?
Stepping On is a friendly and low cost community program run by Smart Solutions Rehab Group on the Sunshine coast. Originally designed in Australia and now Internationally recognised, the program has been scientifically proven to reduce falls by providing you with information on how to reduce your fall risk and maximise your independence at home. Program coordinator Regina Heffernan is a Senior Occupational Therapist with a background in aged care, backed up by Physio’s, Podiatrists and invited guests to present the program
Who Can Join
- 65 years and older
- Living at home
- Able to walk independently or with a walking stick
- Fearful of falling or has fallen recently
- Lives in the Sunshine Coast region.
- Not suitable for people with dementia or neuromuscular conditions
Why Choose Stepping On?
- Proven Results: The program is clinically proven to reduce falls in the community by 31%.
- Evidence-Based & Trusted: Fully backed by research and integrated as part of NSW Health’s “Active and Healthy” Program.
- Empowers Independence: Designed to help you implement positive lifestyle changes, keeping you active, upright, and confident in your own home.
Benefits of the Stepping On Program
The program is an evidence-based program that is effective and proven to reduce falls in older people living in the community. The program incorporates strategies to implement positive lifestyle changes to keep you independent, upright and active.
- Step outside your home with confidence
- Improve your strength and balance
- Learn with your peers
- Become more aware of falls hazards
- Learn how to maximise your independence
- Move safely in the community
- Learn about nutrition for stronger bones
- Manage medications wisely
Stay Steady, Stay Independent
Stepping On takes a look at the whole picture to help protect you from trips and slips. Rather than just focusing on one thing, the program covers all the bases.
What will be covered?
- Reducing home hazards
- Moving safely in the community
- Safe footwear
- Vision and nutrition
- Medication management
- Exercises to improve your strength and balance
- Booster Session at two months
Falling is NOT just a part of growing older!
It is a common myth that getting older means you are bound to have a tumble. While it is true that our vision, balance, and leg strength naturally change over the years, a fall is not inevitable. There are plenty of practical, everyday steps you can take to stay independent and stable on your feet.
Backed by solid research, the Stepping On program is designed to give you the tools, skills, and confidence to manage these risks effectively.
A Helping Hand to Stay Safe and Independent
- Strength & Balance: Gentle, targeted exercises to build your stability and keep you moving well.
- Home Safety: Practical, simple tweaks you can make around the house to clear away hidden hazards.
- Medication Awareness: Clear information on how certain prescriptions or combinations might be making you feel a bit unsteady.
- Expert Advice: Professional guidance on vision, good footwear, and everyday safety tailored specifically for older adults.
A Great Way to Connect
What makes Stepping On so successful isn’t just the health advice, it’s the community. You will be learning alongside a friendly group of peers in a relaxed, supportive environment. It is a fantastic opportunity to share experiences, have a chat, and enjoy a laugh while you learn.
Many participants find that these weekly sessions quickly become a highlight of their social calendar. There is a wonderful sense of camaraderie that comes from reaching new goals together, meaning you’ll likely walk away with a few new local friends alongside your steadier footing.
Regain Your Confidence
Fear of falling can often cause us to cut back on the activities we love. By completing this program, you will walk away with a renewed sense of independence and a massive boost in confidence.
It is all about giving you the peace of mind to get out and about, manage your daily routine, and stay active in your local community without worry holding you back.
True peace of mind means you can focus on making the most of your day and enjoying your freedom, rather than constantly having to watch your step.
The 7 week program
Stepping On is a proven 7-week program designed to help you stay active, confident and independent.
1
Introduction, overview and risk appraisal.
Building trust, overview of program aims, sharing fall experiences, choosing what to cover and balance and strength exercises.
2
Exercises and moving about safely
Review and practice exercises, explore the barriers and benefits of exercise, moving about safely – chairs and steps, learning not to panic after a fall.
3
Home hazards
Identify hazards in and about the home and problem solving solutions
4
Community safety and footwear
Generate strategies to get around the local community and reduce the risk of falling. Learn about the features of a safe shoe and identify clothing hazards.
5
Vision and falls and vitamin D
Recognise the influence of vision on the risk of falling. Review strategies to reduce risk of falling from dysfunction. Identify the importance of vitamin D, sunlight and calcium to protect from fall injury.
6
Medication management and mobility mastery experiences
Identify medication risks and falls. Explore strategies to reduce risk of falls from medication side effects or misuse. Identify behaviour and sleep alternatives to taking sedatives. .
7
Review and plan ahead
Participants express their personal accomplishments from the past 7 weeks and reflect on scope of things learned. Review anything requested. Identify strategies to assist in safe public transportation. Determine safety strategies. Graduation ceremony.
Register your interest for the Stepping On program Today!
Get in touch with us today to find a friendly class near you.
26/27 Evans St Plaza Business Centre Maroochydore QLD 4558
Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm (except public holidays)
Stepping On Interest Registration
"*" indicates required fields