Fall risk assessment results are in....

13 older adults were assessed for fall risk at the Sam Pannell Community Center (SPCC). Because this was a group of higher functioning elders who live independently within the local community, the appropriate fall risk assessment tool to use was the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale. It takes approximately 15 minutes per person to implement and provides myself and the participant with valuable insight about the multiple dimensions involved in balance and mobility.

Having just completed an extensive literature review for my fall prevention exercise thesis, I am familiar with the demographics and percentages associated with older adults and falls. For instance, it is estimated that one in three adults over the age of 65 falls each year (CDC, 2008). If one third of adults fall each year, I am curious about the percentage that is AT RISK. Obviously, more people are at risk of falling than those who actually fall but it would be interesting to know those numbers. Perhaps future doctoral studies will gain some insight to those numbers? :)

Anyhow, according to the valid and reliable FAB fall risk assessment tool, 7 out of 13 adults over the age of 65 were identified at risk of falling at the SPCC FAB clinic. What was interesting was that 7 out of the 13 adults were over the age of 80 and all but one of those in the eighth decade of life were identified at an increased risk of falling. Although small in sample size, the results of the SPCC FAB clinic support research indicating that the risk of falling increases with age.

So what can one do to reduce the risk of falling? REMAIN ACTIVE. Get into a consistent exercise program that focuses on strength and endurance training, balance and flexibility training. Of course, I recommend the FallProof™ program but if you do like exercise at home and want to start slowly, the Take 5 to Exercise™ fall prevention DVD series is a great place to start. Engaging in a walking program in addition to participating in the Take 5 to Exericse™ DVDs is a fabulous way to reduce the risk of falls, no matter what age.

Loving research and evidence-based programs,
The Fall Prevention Lady

Master of Science in Special Major....

It's been a long semester but my thesis was approved by the Office of Graduate Studies at CSUS! With academic approval, I created a Special Major by combining the studies of Gerontology and Therapeutic Recreation. I call this specialized field of study "Therapeutic Aging".
Gerontology fueled my passion for working with older adults and Therapeutic Recreation (TR) built on my undergraduate Public Health degree. Similar to Public Health, TR encourages living a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent disease and minimize disability. TR also appreciates people with special needs and Gerontology appreciates the special needs of older adults.
As a former personal fitness trainer, I have further specialized my area of expertise to the area of fall prevention exercise. I am a certified FallProof™ balance and mobility instructor and just completed a 12-week research study on Dr. Rose's home-based DVD program, FallProof™ at Home (FAH). I am preparing to teach community-based FallProof™ classes in the local Sacramento region.
My research study is completed. The thesis is written and accepted. I graduate on December 18th with a Master of Science in Therapeutic Aging. I envision myself joining a group of professionals who specialize in working with older adults in a preventative manner. In addition to humility and a willingness to learn, I have a multitude of skills plus years of experience to bring to the table. I am confident that the possibilities are endless.
What a relief. Praise the Lord.
The Fall Prevention Lady,
aka, Master in the House!