Fall prevention consultant? Really?

As a certified "FallProof™ Balance and Mobility Specialist" with a Master's degree in Therapeutic Aging, I consult with older adults and their family members, program coordinators, community specialists, support groups, recreation therapists, fitness trainers, and anyone else who is concerned about falls among our aging population and how to reduce the risk of an accidental slip or trip.

Although I am not the only one doing this type of work, I am a pioneer in my field.  I have been studying aging, balance, falls, and the prevention of falls for nearly ten years.  I love what I do and through education, demonstration and facilitation, I fulfill my mission which is to improve quality of life for older adults by improving balance and reducing fall risk.   Thus, I am weary of "fall prevention" scams and businesses who use all the right lingo but offer questionable services and/or products;  I instantly want to know more about the program and what they're selling.

While living in Los Angeles, I was contacted by a man who wanted me to join his "fall prevention consultant" business.  Of course I was excited about the possibility of joining a team of like-minded individuals with the same passion as me so I wanted to know more about his qualifications, his business, and his mission.

After meeting with him and his "partner", I quickly discovered he's not a "fall prevention consultant"; he's a salesman.   He is not a gerontologist; he's a salesman.  He is not a fitness specialist; he's a salesman.   He does not develop and deliver programs that help older adults remain independent.   He's a business major, that's right, he's a salesman.

He is selling a "posture analysis" machine to assisted living facilities.  Even though I am highly trained to test the exact dimensions and provide more feedback than a machine can offer, this guy thinks the machine is more accurate and the print out is worth more than a professional assessment. I don't agree but ok, let's say the assisted living facility buys the idea that there is value in the printout and pretty graphics the machine spits out.  Now what?

I asked him what type of balance training program he offers the residents.  What type of educational program are you using to increase awareness of fall risk factors?  What type of home modifications are you suggesting?  What about medication management?

This is where his true salesman colors started to shine.  He has no balance training classes to offer.  He doesn't know the different types of exercise a person should be doing to improve his/her balance.   He is trying to put together a "program" to sell to activity directors; a once a week educational program.

Fall prevention research demonstrates that a multi-dimensional approach is the most effective way to reduce the risk of a fall.  In other words, educate, demonstrate and facilitate how to make changes that will improve balance and reduce fall risk.  An analysis of how a person is standing and how the muscle fibers are firing that morning may indicate risk of a fall but will not prevent a fall; it takes education and behavior change to remain independent.

My book, "The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention" does just that; it explains factors that increase the risk of a fall, demonstrates the different types of exercise that researchers recommend to improve balance and facilitates behavior change through compliance charts.  I even offer my "Help, I've Fallen and I CAN get up" demonstration!

Buyer beware!  Apparently "fall prevention consultant" is the new lingo that salesmen are going to use to target the baby boomers.  Beware.