Last night I went to the church council meeting of the First United Methodist Church of Torrance to propose my Fall Prevention 101 workshop and the subsequent four-week FallProof™ balance and mobility training classes that I offer.
This is an active church with a lot of community outreach projects. The council recognized the severity and seriousness of falls among the aging population and seemed quite interested in offering a workshop and balance training classes.
I assured them that as the Fall Prevention Lady, I am a legitimate, sincere, and well qualified to teach these life changing classes. I mentioned that I am a published author and showed them my book, "The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention". My book combines years of hands on experience, fall prevention research and evidence-based training in an easy to understand manner that is both educational and entertaining.
However, a live person is always so much more interesting than reading a book so here I am, Southern California, for your viewing pleasure!
Now I wait. Now I pray. You blessed me with this gift, now use me Lord!
Amen.
The Fall Prevention Lady
aka, Kelly Ward
(916) 821-5715
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Spring Is in Bloom Senior Expo in Malibu
Home Instead Senior Care and Good Company Senior Care will be partnering together with Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church to host the "Spring is in Bloom" Senior Expo. Our Lady of Malibu has been more than generous in providing a beautiful patio and parish hall in which to meet with older adults and their families.
The purpose in providing these events is to help educate and prepare the older adult population and their families for when they or their parents face health issues that may prevent them from living independently in their own homes or managing their own resources.
Falls are a major health concern for seniors and their families. Falls are the leading cause of visits to the emergency room and the leading cause of death and non-fatal injuries for older adults. For those who are lucky to return home, the fear of falling again can severely impact the quality of life.
I will be representing USC's Fall Prevention Center of Excellence at this event. In addition to handing out educational resources, I will be conducting balance and fitness assessments that demonstrate physical fitness to fall risk. These are fun tests and can be a real eye opener!
Even though fall prevention research strongly supports engaging in a consistent exercise program as the number one way to prevent an accidental fall, many older adults and family members are not aware of the types of exercise a person must do to improve balance and remain independent. I explain and demonstrate the different types of exercise in my book, The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention, and will have copies of my book at the event.
Malibu on a beautiful Sunday morning in the Spring. Can't beat that. See you there!
The Fall Prevention Lady
The purpose in providing these events is to help educate and prepare the older adult population and their families for when they or their parents face health issues that may prevent them from living independently in their own homes or managing their own resources.
Falls are a major health concern for seniors and their families. Falls are the leading cause of visits to the emergency room and the leading cause of death and non-fatal injuries for older adults. For those who are lucky to return home, the fear of falling again can severely impact the quality of life.
I will be representing USC's Fall Prevention Center of Excellence at this event. In addition to handing out educational resources, I will be conducting balance and fitness assessments that demonstrate physical fitness to fall risk. These are fun tests and can be a real eye opener!
Even though fall prevention research strongly supports engaging in a consistent exercise program as the number one way to prevent an accidental fall, many older adults and family members are not aware of the types of exercise a person must do to improve balance and remain independent. I explain and demonstrate the different types of exercise in my book, The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention, and will have copies of my book at the event.
Malibu on a beautiful Sunday morning in the Spring. Can't beat that. See you there!
The Fall Prevention Lady
Saturday, March 9, 2013
USC Caregivers Are Learning More (C.A.L.M.) Telephone Series
I am a member of the Southern California Fall Prevention Coalition. To me, this is where it all began; Dr. Debra Rose, Dr. John Pynoos, The Center for Successful Aging, The Fall Prevention Center of Excellence, USC Andrus Gerontology program, and other senior service agencies that are active in the prevention of falls among the aging population in the greater Los Angeles region.
Yesterday I received the email I had been waiting for; three opportunities to contribute to community fall prevention events! I immediately responded and will be hosting the Fall Prevention Coalition booth at the Senior Awareness Fair at Our Lady of Malibu Church in Malibu on April 7th and El Segundo's 2nd Annual Community Wellness Day Fair on June 1st. Yay, out and about spreading the word in SoCAL!!!!
On Friday March 15, I will be the featured speaker for USC's Caregivers Are Learning More (C.A.L.M.) Telephone Series. From noon-1pm, I will be talking to busy caregivers (some of them adult children) about common fall risk factors and how to reduce those risks. I will talk about basic exercises that fall prevention researchers recommend to improve balance and how to modify and advance these exercises to meet individual needs.
The need to educate busy caregivers about how to care for a person after a fall became strikingly evident after my grandmother fell last month. Suddenly my uncles and mother were faced with the reality of caring for a parent after a fall; the strong parent now exuding feelings of vulnerability and mortality and buried dynamics of guilt, anger and fear.
This ticking time bomb must be dealt with and the best time is before the explosion. However life doesn't happen like that. In America, we wait for an accident to happen and then we scramble to pick up the pieces. I am so excited about sharing my knowledge about falls and how to reduce the risk of an accident with the family caregiver network at USC. I highly recommend my book, The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention, as a supplement to my presentation and a guide for all family members to read BEFORE, or after, an accident.
Fall Prevention researchers recommend increased awareness of fall risk factors and engagement in a consistent exercise program that includes four different types of exercise, including increased postural awareness.
Order my book today and arm yourself and your family, with the tools to avoid the aftermath of a fall. Rest assured knowing you are doing what evidence supports to keep your loved one safe.
Spreading the word.
The Fall Prevention Lady
Follow my page on Facebook: The Fall Prevention Lady
Yesterday I received the email I had been waiting for; three opportunities to contribute to community fall prevention events! I immediately responded and will be hosting the Fall Prevention Coalition booth at the Senior Awareness Fair at Our Lady of Malibu Church in Malibu on April 7th and El Segundo's 2nd Annual Community Wellness Day Fair on June 1st. Yay, out and about spreading the word in SoCAL!!!!
On Friday March 15, I will be the featured speaker for USC's Caregivers Are Learning More (C.A.L.M.) Telephone Series. From noon-1pm, I will be talking to busy caregivers (some of them adult children) about common fall risk factors and how to reduce those risks. I will talk about basic exercises that fall prevention researchers recommend to improve balance and how to modify and advance these exercises to meet individual needs.
The need to educate busy caregivers about how to care for a person after a fall became strikingly evident after my grandmother fell last month. Suddenly my uncles and mother were faced with the reality of caring for a parent after a fall; the strong parent now exuding feelings of vulnerability and mortality and buried dynamics of guilt, anger and fear.
This ticking time bomb must be dealt with and the best time is before the explosion. However life doesn't happen like that. In America, we wait for an accident to happen and then we scramble to pick up the pieces. I am so excited about sharing my knowledge about falls and how to reduce the risk of an accident with the family caregiver network at USC. I highly recommend my book, The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention, as a supplement to my presentation and a guide for all family members to read BEFORE, or after, an accident.
Fall Prevention researchers recommend increased awareness of fall risk factors and engagement in a consistent exercise program that includes four different types of exercise, including increased postural awareness.
Order my book today and arm yourself and your family, with the tools to avoid the aftermath of a fall. Rest assured knowing you are doing what evidence supports to keep your loved one safe.
Spreading the word.
The Fall Prevention Lady
Follow my page on Facebook: The Fall Prevention Lady
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Most adult children don't know how to care for parent after a fall
People often ask me why I choose to specialize in the prevention of falls among the elderly or why I am fascinated with the effects of aging on the balance system.
Am I a physical therapist? Am I a personal fitness trainer? A
nurse? Did a family member fall? The answers are no, yes, no, yes
(respectively) but the reason I am passionate about fall prevention is
because that is my gift, my calling, from God.
Two weeks ago, my 90 year-old grandmother fell and broke her collar bone. She doesn't remember what caused her fall and was released with her left arm in a sling. My uncle Jerry, a retired District Attorney with a private practice, lives nearby and is watching her at her home. Like most professionals with a family, he is not sure how to care for someone after a fall. Like most adult children, he is unaware of factors that can increase the risk of a fall.
Two days after my grandmother returned home, she fell again. Luckily, Jerry was there but the fact that she fell on "his watch" was upsetting to both him and to my grandmother. She felt unsafe and he felt guilty, if not incompetent, to care for his own mother. When my mom went to visit, she immediately scheduled a family phone consultation with her daughther, The Fall Prevention Lady.
Over the speaker, I talked about what I know best; things that increase the risk of a fall such as things you can change an the things you need to be aware of, what I recommend talking to your doctor about, how to reduce these risk factors and the types of exercises that can improve balance and stability.
My uncle furiously took notes and subsequently made necessary phone calls and doctor appointments. After a review of medications, we discovered that my grandmother was taking four prescriptions that significantly depressed her central nervous system. Like many older adults, my grandmom likes her night cap however the combination of four CNS depressants and alcohol intensified confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, and thus, the risk of a fall.
Modifications have been made to both her medication management and home environment so now my grandmother can concentrate on her recovery and my uncle can feel confident that he is doing everything he can do to keep his mother safe. My uncle is a brilliant man who is respected in his field but he had no idea how to keep his mother safe after a fall. He is not alone; adult children cannot be expected to know how to care for a parent who fell unless they have an idea of things that cause falls and how to reduce that risk.
I had sent copies of my book, The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention, but most people are too busy to read about prevention until it's too late. Don't delay! Read my book and use the information when necessary. Or if you prefer a live conversation with an expert to help deal with the after effects of a fall, I am available for family consultations (for a fee). I am here to help.
Kelly Ward,
The Fall Prevention Lady
(916) 821-5715
Find my page on Facebook: The Fall Prevention Lady
Two weeks ago, my 90 year-old grandmother fell and broke her collar bone. She doesn't remember what caused her fall and was released with her left arm in a sling. My uncle Jerry, a retired District Attorney with a private practice, lives nearby and is watching her at her home. Like most professionals with a family, he is not sure how to care for someone after a fall. Like most adult children, he is unaware of factors that can increase the risk of a fall.
Two days after my grandmother returned home, she fell again. Luckily, Jerry was there but the fact that she fell on "his watch" was upsetting to both him and to my grandmother. She felt unsafe and he felt guilty, if not incompetent, to care for his own mother. When my mom went to visit, she immediately scheduled a family phone consultation with her daughther, The Fall Prevention Lady.
Over the speaker, I talked about what I know best; things that increase the risk of a fall such as things you can change an the things you need to be aware of, what I recommend talking to your doctor about, how to reduce these risk factors and the types of exercises that can improve balance and stability.
My uncle furiously took notes and subsequently made necessary phone calls and doctor appointments. After a review of medications, we discovered that my grandmother was taking four prescriptions that significantly depressed her central nervous system. Like many older adults, my grandmom likes her night cap however the combination of four CNS depressants and alcohol intensified confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, and thus, the risk of a fall.
Modifications have been made to both her medication management and home environment so now my grandmother can concentrate on her recovery and my uncle can feel confident that he is doing everything he can do to keep his mother safe. My uncle is a brilliant man who is respected in his field but he had no idea how to keep his mother safe after a fall. He is not alone; adult children cannot be expected to know how to care for a parent who fell unless they have an idea of things that cause falls and how to reduce that risk.
I had sent copies of my book, The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention, but most people are too busy to read about prevention until it's too late. Don't delay! Read my book and use the information when necessary. Or if you prefer a live conversation with an expert to help deal with the after effects of a fall, I am available for family consultations (for a fee). I am here to help.
Kelly Ward,
The Fall Prevention Lady
(916) 821-5715
Find my page on Facebook: The Fall Prevention Lady
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Grandparents raising Grandkids want fall prevention training
I was surprised when I got a phone call from the daughter of one of my former balance and mobility class participants last week. I assumed she was calling about her father but it turned out she was applying for grant funding for the "Grandparents Raising Grandkids" program and wanted to include my fall prevention 101 workshops and balance training classes as part of the curricula.
Falls are an honest to goodness threat to the independence and vitality of many older adults. I have worked with hundreds of older adults and many come to class with the goal of improving balance and strength so they can keep up with their grandchildren. Thus, it was no surprise when Julie told me she wanted to offer fall prevention services as part of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program she is affiliated with.
After a lot of discussion and explanation, she and I put together a fabulous program to be offered to local seniors, a mutually beneficial price structure, and ongoing sustainability components that will help the program meet the needs of this growing demographic. Falls are a quickly becoming a public health epidemic and it will take collaborative community efforts to help prevent these unnecessary accidents.
Luckily, I wrote a 'mock' grant in my graduate grant writing class so I am familiar with the entire process; including the background work, key wording and performance outcomes that funders require in the application. After a long night, Julie got the application for the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program in by the deadline.
Now we wait with baited breath. And fingers crossed. Praying for God's will......
Falls are an honest to goodness threat to the independence and vitality of many older adults. I have worked with hundreds of older adults and many come to class with the goal of improving balance and strength so they can keep up with their grandchildren. Thus, it was no surprise when Julie told me she wanted to offer fall prevention services as part of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program she is affiliated with.
After a lot of discussion and explanation, she and I put together a fabulous program to be offered to local seniors, a mutually beneficial price structure, and ongoing sustainability components that will help the program meet the needs of this growing demographic. Falls are a quickly becoming a public health epidemic and it will take collaborative community efforts to help prevent these unnecessary accidents.
Luckily, I wrote a 'mock' grant in my graduate grant writing class so I am familiar with the entire process; including the background work, key wording and performance outcomes that funders require in the application. After a long night, Julie got the application for the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program in by the deadline.
Now we wait with baited breath. And fingers crossed. Praying for God's will......
Monday, March 4, 2013
Stepping On fall prevention program @ Jewish Family & Children's Service in Long Beach
I will be facilitating my second Stepping On fall prevention program at the Jewish Family & Children's Service center in Long Beach, CA. Non-profit home modification company, Hearts of Ida is sponsoring my leadership in this seven-week program and it begins Thursday March 7th.
Stepping On is an evidence-based fall prevention program developed by Dr. Lindy Clemson of Australia but was adapted by the Wisconsin Institute of Health Aging (WIHA). The
California Department of Public Health sponsored my Master Leader training in Wisconsin last summer and luckily, Hearts of Ida appreciated the value in this program and sponsored my two programs in southern California.
I am being trained to be a "Master Trainer" in the Stepping On program on Monday. Upon successful completion of the training and competencies, I will be certified to teach other trainers to facilitate the amazing seven-week program that collaborates with local experts including a physical therapist, pharmacist, low vision and community safety expert.
This is a great program and I am honored to be integral in bringing this fall prevention decision making and confidence building program to California.
Stepping On is an evidence-based fall prevention program developed by Dr. Lindy Clemson of Australia but was adapted by the Wisconsin Institute of Health Aging (WIHA). The
California Department of Public Health sponsored my Master Leader training in Wisconsin last summer and luckily, Hearts of Ida appreciated the value in this program and sponsored my two programs in southern California.
I am being trained to be a "Master Trainer" in the Stepping On program on Monday. Upon successful completion of the training and competencies, I will be certified to teach other trainers to facilitate the amazing seven-week program that collaborates with local experts including a physical therapist, pharmacist, low vision and community safety expert.
This is a great program and I am honored to be integral in bringing this fall prevention decision making and confidence building program to California.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
1st Stepping On fall prevention program in Long Beach
This past summer (2012), the California Department of Public Health sent me to Madison, WI for training as a Master Trainer in the evidence-based Stepping On fall prevention program. I enjoyed three days in warm and sunny Madison learning how to be a facilitator, not a "balance specialist".
As a certified FallProof balance and moblility specialist, I was a bit skeptical of the Stepping On program at first because I firmly believe in Dr. Rose's program. However, we all know there is more than one way to improve balance and I have to say that after leading a group of nine older adults through the seven-week Stepping On program, I am a stout supporter of the benefits of this colloborative program.
As a Stepping On Master Leader, I am a facilitator. I do not answer questions directly but I encourage the decision making and problem solving abilities of the participants. It was wonderful to hear the group "think" through situations and identify causes of falls, how to prevent future falls, barriers to behavior change and how to maintain safe behavior.
In today's last session, members reported increased balance confidence and an increased awareness of things that cause falls. The group at Bixby Knolls Towers in Long Beach was extremely educated about falls well informed about obvious dangers. However everyone said they learned something valuable, especially how to do exercises that improve balance and how to advance those exercises when ready.
True, this is not a "balance and mobility" program but it does implement basic strengthening and balance exercises that do improve balance. The best thing is the facilitation of a daily routine via an exercise log. I have incorporated the exercise log into my balance classes and in-home training services. Love it.
I"m Stepping On in Long Beach!
And LOVING IT!
As a certified FallProof balance and moblility specialist, I was a bit skeptical of the Stepping On program at first because I firmly believe in Dr. Rose's program. However, we all know there is more than one way to improve balance and I have to say that after leading a group of nine older adults through the seven-week Stepping On program, I am a stout supporter of the benefits of this colloborative program.
As a Stepping On Master Leader, I am a facilitator. I do not answer questions directly but I encourage the decision making and problem solving abilities of the participants. It was wonderful to hear the group "think" through situations and identify causes of falls, how to prevent future falls, barriers to behavior change and how to maintain safe behavior.
In today's last session, members reported increased balance confidence and an increased awareness of things that cause falls. The group at Bixby Knolls Towers in Long Beach was extremely educated about falls well informed about obvious dangers. However everyone said they learned something valuable, especially how to do exercises that improve balance and how to advance those exercises when ready.
True, this is not a "balance and mobility" program but it does implement basic strengthening and balance exercises that do improve balance. The best thing is the facilitation of a daily routine via an exercise log. I have incorporated the exercise log into my balance classes and in-home training services. Love it.
I"m Stepping On in Long Beach!
And LOVING IT!
Friday, March 1, 2013
Fall Prevention Program Train-the-Trainer program offered in Northern California
The El Dorado Hills Aging Commission (Commission on Aging, COA) recognizes the value of fall prevention education and the importance of training volunteers in evidence-based programs in order to reduce the incidence of falls among older adults. Like most government agencies, EDH COA was leary of working with an independent contractor rather than another government (or non-profit) agency but I am proud to say they have decided to offer me the chance to provide my fall prevention train-the-trainer program!
My first train-the-trainer program was approved by the Department of Social Services for 3.5 hours of CEU credits in 2007. I updated the program in 2011 after months of fall prevention and balance training research for my masters degree thesis (The Efficacy of FallProof™ at Home DVD series on Physical Parameters Associated with Fall Risk). The new program includes physical therapy-based balance training techniques used in the FallProof balance and mobility program.
I updated my train-the-trainer program again in 2012 after writing my first book, The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention. My book is the compilation of years of hands-on experience as a certified FallProof™ balance and mobility specialist and certified personal fitness trainer specializing in balance impairments among the older adult population.
After becoming a Master Trainer in the evidence-based Stepping On fall prevention program last year, I decided to update my program again (I also updated my book)! My specialized training and hands-on experience offers insight that will help trainers beyond words on a page because participants will demonstrate practical application of balance skills that prevent falls.
I am confident that my train-the-trainer program is the best fall risk reduction and balance enhancement program out there because I took the best features of the best fall prevention programs and put them in easy to understand language.
Thank you El Dorado Aging Commission for this amazing opportunity to train your trainers in the most current and effective fall prevention and balance training available.
Yay, Roberta!
My first train-the-trainer program was approved by the Department of Social Services for 3.5 hours of CEU credits in 2007. I updated the program in 2011 after months of fall prevention and balance training research for my masters degree thesis (The Efficacy of FallProof™ at Home DVD series on Physical Parameters Associated with Fall Risk). The new program includes physical therapy-based balance training techniques used in the FallProof balance and mobility program.
I updated my train-the-trainer program again in 2012 after writing my first book, The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention. My book is the compilation of years of hands-on experience as a certified FallProof™ balance and mobility specialist and certified personal fitness trainer specializing in balance impairments among the older adult population.
After becoming a Master Trainer in the evidence-based Stepping On fall prevention program last year, I decided to update my program again (I also updated my book)! My specialized training and hands-on experience offers insight that will help trainers beyond words on a page because participants will demonstrate practical application of balance skills that prevent falls.
I am confident that my train-the-trainer program is the best fall risk reduction and balance enhancement program out there because I took the best features of the best fall prevention programs and put them in easy to understand language.
Thank you El Dorado Aging Commission for this amazing opportunity to train your trainers in the most current and effective fall prevention and balance training available.
Yay, Roberta!
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