SMITH CENTER, Kan. – Staff at Smith County Memorial Hospital have changed the start date for the next Stepping On workshop to April 18. The seven-week workshop will be held at the Nazarene Church in Smith Center.
“We found that our earlier start date wasn’t ideal for many people in the community,” said Laura Kingsbury, emergency department director and Stepping On organizer for SCMH. “Our hope is that by moving the date, we hit some warmer weather and the older adults in our community are more comfortable coming to the sessions.”
Sessions are scheduled on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for seven weeks. Each session will build on previous learning and will include opportunities for participants to practice what they are learning.
The number of participants is limited to 12 so Kingsbury encourages signing up early.
In addition to Stepping On, SCMH will be offering its first Car Fit event on April 16.
CarFit is a national program developed by AARP, AAA and the American Occupational Therapy Association and is designed to give a quick, yet comprehensive check on how well an older driver and their vehicle work together.
“Our goal is to reduce stress and increase confidence when driving by offering comfort and safety,” said Alisa Pahls, occupational therapist for SCMH.
The “check-up” will take approximately 30 minutes and will include checking the correct position of the driver’s seat, driver’s ability to easily reach pedals and proper adjustment of mirrors.
To register for either Stepping On or CarFit, contact Deb Silsby at (785) 686-3120 or visit the hospital’s rehab services department.