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Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility Renewals

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Senior Health

Safe Steps

ChristianaCare's fall prevention program.

Move Safely About Safe Steps Geriatrics Sports & Lifestyle Our Team Seminars

Move Safely

While one in three older Americans falls every year, falls don’t have to be a normal part of aging. We are committed to partnering with you to reduce your risk of falling and the serious injuries that can be caused by falls. The goal of our Safe Steps Program is to help you move safely and confidently through your golden years.

If you are an older adult (age 65+) and you have fallen, feel unsteady on your feet, or simply lack confidence when walking, call 302-320-6475 to learn more or schedule an appointment today.

About Safe Steps

The ChristianaCare Safe Steps Program is here to teach you how to reduce your fall risk. Also, we evaluate any health problems that are putting you at risk for a fall. Our Safe Steps Program offers a team of experts in geriatrics and rehabilitation, as well as Sports and Lifestyle Medicine. Our team members work together to address many factors that contribute to falls. These include:

Physical factors like balance, gait, and muscle strength.
Environmental issues like clutter and poor lighting.

By addressing all these factors, we can reduce your risk of falls. This can help you avoid serious injuries and hospital stays. It may even help you with other life goals like living longer in your own home.

Program Offerings

Safe Steps is a comprehensive program that offers:

A complete checkup and medical history.
A personalized plan to address your fall risk.
An assessment of your bone health and fragility.

Geriatrics Session

Geriatrics is a medical specialty devoted solely to older adults over 65. Our Safe Steps Geriatrician will:

Identify medical causes that could contribute to your risk of falling.
Obtain a detailed fall history and assess your living situation.
Review your medical history, paying specific attention to medications, including prescriptions over the counter medications and herbal supplements.
Check blood pressure, both seated and standing.
Screen for visual or cognitive impairment and depression.

Sports & Lifestyle Medicine

Sports and Lifestyle Medicine specialists can help you regain and improve function if you are having difficulties caused by an illness or disabling condition. Our Safe Steps Sports and Lifestyle Medicine Specialist will provide the following:

A full history and assessment.
A physical examination and functional assessment.
A balance and gait evaluation.
A discussion of equipment needs for home safety.
Community referrals for balance programs and lectures.
A home exercise program to address balance and gait problems.

Meet Our Team

Geriatric Medicine

Lynsey Brandt, MD, PharmD.

Medical Director Memory Care Center, Board-certified and fellowship-trained Geriatric Medicine specialist

Carolyn Ianni, MD

Board-certified and fellowship-trained Geriatric Medicine specialist,

Valerie Hughes, BSN, RN, CCM

Nurse Navigator

Sports & Lifestyle Medicine

Elizabeth Barchi, MD

Clinical Leader for the Sport & Lifestyle Medicine Service, Board-certified and fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine,

Seminars

ThinkFirst to Prevent Falls

ThinkFirst is a 60 minute talk for older adults, helping to educate about the risks of falls and the steps for minimizing the risks. Preventing falls for seniors is a key part of our injury prevention efforts in the community.