DALLAS, TX — Pegasus Senior Living is expanding a resident safety initiative focused on reducing injury from falls, following early outcomes from its partnership with Phoenix Hipwear.
Over a 12-month evaluation period, Pegasus communities implemented a hip protection program for residents at elevated risk of falls. The initiative, which began with a smaller pilot group and has since expanded, is now informing a broader rollout across additional communities, including several in Texas beginning this month.
The program centers on reducing harm associated with falls—particularly hip fractures—among memory care and high-risk assisted living residents. Early results from the initial cohort showed no hip fractures reported among participating residents during the evaluation period, while data collection and analysis continue as the program scales.
“What’s most important is that we’re taking a proactive approach to protecting residents,” said Pegasus Senior Living Chair and CEO, Chris Hollister. “This is about doing the right thing: investing in solutions that support safety, dignity, and quality of life.”
As part of the initiative, Pegasus has taken the uncommon step of covering the cost of hip protection for participating residents, removing financial barriers for families and enabling broader adoption across communities.
Natasha Williams, CEO of Phoenix Hipwear, said the partnership reflects a growing focus within senior living on practical, scalable approaches to injury prevention.
“Falls are an ongoing reality in senior living, particularly among higher-acuity populations,” Williams said. “What’s meaningful here is Pegasus’ commitment to not just monitoring falls, but actively reducing the risk of serious injury when they occur.”
Dr. Sandra Petersen, Senior Vice President of Health and Wellness for Pegasus Senior Living, noted that the program is part of a broader, data-informed approach to resident care.
“We are excited to partner with Phoenix Hipwear to mitigate fall risks for our residents,” Dr. Petersen shares. “We know from research that the risk of hip fracture is reduced by nearly 3-fold by wearing a hip protector at the time of falling. We also know that, on average, older adults only survive an average of 18 months after a hip fracture occurs. Knowing this, we are pleased to offer Phoenix Hipwear to our residents and families as a critical part of our falls program.”
The expansion comes at a time when senior living operators are evaluating a range of fall mitigation strategies. Pegasus’ approach emphasizes a layered model, combining prevention efforts with interventions designed to reduce injury severity when falls do occur.
Media representatives are invited to connect with Pegasus and Phoenix Hipwear leadership to learn more about the program and its continued rollout.
About Pegasus Senior Living
Pegasus Senior Living is a leading operator of senior living communities dedicated to celebrating and enhancing the lives of older adults with kindness and integrity. Founded in 2018 by industry veterans Chris Hollister and Steven Vick — who together brought more than 50 combined years of senior living experience — Pegasus was built on four core principles: integrity, dignity, personalization, and choice. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company manages 56 communities offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care across 13 states.
Pegasus is known for its signature Connections memory care program, developed by neuroplasticity expert Dr. Sandra Petersen. The evidence-based program follows a Connect – Move – Learn sequence designed to engage residents cognitively, physically, and emotionally. Each Pegasus community is rooted in its local geography, empowered with the resources of a national operator while delivering the personalized attention of a neighborhood-focused team. Learn more by visiting Pegasus Senior Living’s website.
About Phoenix Hipwear
Phoenix Hipwear is an innovative hip protection company dedicated to reducing the risk of life-altering hip fractures for older adults in senior living communities. Founded by Natasha Williams — a New Zealand-born entrepreneur and U.S. Ambassador for the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation — Phoenix Hipwear was built on the understanding that falls are inevitable, but hip fractures don’t have to be. Since 2009, the company has worked alongside healthcare professionals, clinical experts, and senior living operators to develop hip protection that is lightweight, discreet, and comfortable enough for residents to actually wear.
Phoenix Hipwear pairs ultra-soft garments with high-performance 3D shields engineered using Carbon’s advanced printing technology in partnership with impact protection specialists impctLAB. The result is a low-profile, breathable shield that moves with the body and resets after impact, offering protection without compromising comfort or dignity. Phoenix Hipwear partners directly with senior living operators to integrate hip protection into falls management programs across senior living communities. The company is a proud member of the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation’s Corporate Advisory Roundtable. Learn more at www.phoenixhips.com.
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Media Contact: Blair Burney | [email protected]