Ground level falls are a leading cause of injury in Gallatin County for older adults. Patient falls often result in a visit to the emergency room, admission to the hospital and surgery. Bozeman Health’s trauma registry outcomes indicate that ground falls account for 31% of injuries, with around 82% of fall injuries occurring in people over the age of 65.

Bozeman Health is entering its fourth year of offering fall prevention courses at no charge because small, simple changes can help prevent a fall from happening, especially with icy winter conditions on the horizon.

Stepping On is an evidence-based, fall prevention course offered for free to older adults who are members of the Belgrade Senior Center. The Stepping On course meets weekly over seven weeks beginning on September 26 and is designed to improve confidence, reduce falls and reduce fear of falling. The course is focused around incorporating strength and balance exercises into your daily routine, as well as discussing many other topics like home hazards, medications and vision.

Registration for our 2024 course at the Belgrade Senior Center is now open. Individuals interested in signing up for the course can contact the Belgrade Senior Center at 406-388-4711.

ThinkFirst is an additional evidence-based program that Bozeman Health will be faciliting at the Belgrade Senior Center. These are one-time, 90-minute courses to review strength and balance excercises happening September 19 at 1 p.m. and September 24 at 10:30 a.m. Those interested in this course can contact the Belgrade Senior Center as well.

For questions or to learn more, email BHTraumaProgram@bozemanhealth.org.