Concepts behind an evidence-based falls prevention programme for older people: Stepping On
Megan Swann is a Consultant Occupational Therapist Master Trainer and Co-author of the Stepping On falls prevention programme in Australia NSW. She has over 30 years of experience. Stepping On, an evidence based programme, aims to equip participants with the knowledge, strength and confidence to prevent falls, stay active and remain independent.
The programme whilst founded in Australia by two Occupational Therapists is also now in 17 states of the US and a manual has been written for Spanish speakers in the US: www.steppingon.com.
She continues to run and train allied health workers to become Stepping On facilitators.
Learning Outcomes
- Have a brief introduction of the Stepping On programme.
- Have an understanding of fear of falling in community-based older people.
- Have an understanding of why the concepts behind Stepping On build confidence in older people and thus reduce the risk of falling.
Meet our Experts
Nicky is a dedicated Occupational Therapist with over 16 years of experience, specializing in disability, posture, and seating. She has worked in both inpatient and community settings, and most recently served as a seating therapist within the HSE.
Megan Swann is a Consultant Occupational Therapist Master trainer and Co-author of the Stepping On falls prevention programme in Australia NSW. She has over 30 years of experience.
People who watched this also watched...
A manual handling adviser in Malawi
A long ambition was realised in February 2023 to volunteer with a charity that supports children and adults abroad. Being part of a team dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of fellow human beings is both an honour and delight. Two weeks can change your life forever and be the start of a long term inspirational collaboration in a far off continent.
Pressure ulcers – definition, assessment, prevention and treatment
Pressure ulcers are a painful, debilitating condition that can, largely, be prevented. Seen as a measure of harm by NHS England/Improvement and reportable to the CQC in care home settings, understanding how best to protect those within your care from developing a pressure ulcer is an important aspect of care delivery.
Prevention of pressure ulcers is however not always easy and, in some cases, not possible. Understanding how they develop, how to recognise those at risk, how to prevent them and what to do when they do occur is vital knowledge for anyone involved in the care of those vulnerable to pressure ulcers.
Staff with different skill sets can work their way through the whole programme, or they can choose individual modules.
Beyond comfort: the clinical impact of specialist seating
Seating is more than just comfort—it plays a crucial role in supporting posture, pressure care, and overall well-being. This webinar explores the clinical considerations behind prescribing specialist seating, helping you navigate key factors such as postural support, pressure management, and individual fit. Using case-based reasoning, we’ll discuss how different seating solutions can enhance independence, reduce risk, and improve outcomes for service users with complex needs.