Fall Prevention & Health Promotion
Fall Prevention & Health Promotion
Improving health, protecting independence, and growing confidence at every step.
About
Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. Yet they affect one in three Americans aged 65+ each year and remain the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults. The good news: falls and fall-related injuries are preventable.
High Country Area Agency on Aging is committed to reducing fall risks through education, awareness, and community engagement.
Find a Program
View a listing of fall prevention programs and workshops available across North Carolina.
Get Moving
Choose exercises that improve strength and balance — like Tai Chi.
Home Safety
Learn simple safety measures to make your home safer.
Eyes, Ears, and Feet
Annual screenings and updated eyewear or hearing aids helps prevent falls.
Talk
Discuss fall prevention with your healthcare provider, pharmacist, family, and friends.
Get Involved
Join the High Country Fall Prevention Coalition, a network of community preventing falls.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a gentle, low-impact practice proven to improve balance, strength, flexibility, and cognitive health. High Country AAA supports the evidence-based Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention program, developed by Dr. Paul Lam and recognized by the CDC.
In partnership with Appalachian State University, we also offer memory-building sessions alongside Tai Chi classes in Watauga County during spring and fall semesters.
Find classes in the High Country and across North Carolina at HealthyAgingNC.com.
A Matter of Balance
Developed by MaineHealth, A Matter of Balance is an eight-session program that helps older adults reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Through group discussions, peer support, and skill-building, participants learn practical strategies to view falls — and the fear of falling — as manageable.
This entry-level program is ideal for those at higher risk, those needing gentle activity, or those experiencing fear of falling.
A Matter of Balance classes are offered throughout the region at participating senior centers.
EBHP Program Forms
- Registration and Waiver (PDF)
- Emergency Contact Sheet (PDF)
- Post Program Checklist (PDF)
- Cover Sheet (PDF)
- Attendance with TUG (PDF)
- Participant Information Form (PDF)
- Post Session Survey (PDF)
- Participant Information Form (PDF)
- Post Program Form (PDF)
- Cover Sheet (PDF)
- Attendance for Virtual (PDF)
- Participant Information Form (PDF)
- Post Session Survey (PDF)
- Participant Information Form (PDF)
- Attendance Log (PDF)
- Fidelity Checklist (PDF)
- Post Program Form (PDF)
Resources
Contact
To learn more about our fall prevention work, to get assistance finding a class, or to join the High Country Fall Prevention Coalition, email Emily Fortunato at efortunato@hccog.org.
Instructor Resources
Are you an instructor leading Evidenced Based Health Promotion classes in the High Country region? Find class paperwork at the link below.