ASA's Annual Conference in San Diego

Here I am in San Diego for the American Society on Aging's Annual Conference.  This year's theme is "Aging in America".  I love conferences because you have access to the best in the field and there is so much to do that the hardest part is deciding which workshop to attend!

In addition to expert keynote speakers, there are dynamic leaders hosting general sessions and 60-minute workshops.   Innovative researchers display their work on poster boards and big companies exhibit their products in the exhibitor hall.

As the older adult population explodes, it is a well-known fact that providers need to collaborate in order to meet the changing needs of the boomers.  Competitors are now partners and sharing best practices is helpful to everyone, including the client.  Tonight there are roundtable discussions to promote the exchange of ideas to better serve our aging clients.

I will be hosting the "Muscles and Senses; Fall Prevention 101" roundtable discussion to help providers build their own community-based fall prevention concierge or a group of professionals to have as referrals when needed.   Fall Prevention researchers have demonstrated that one must take a "multifactorial" approach to the prevention of falls.  In other words, eliminate as many fall risk factors as possible is the best way to remain safe.  I hope to educate about fall risk factors and then brainstorm with the group about possible partners and connections for older adults.

I have said it before and I'll say it again; "It takes a village to raise a child but it takes a community to prevent a fall".  I hope that tonight's roundtable discussion promotes community collaboration and partnerships. 

The Fall Prevention Lady
Kelly Ward

Free fall prevention workshops for seniors in Sacramento

As part of the Sierra Health Foundation and the North Sacramento Grandparents Support group, I will be offering two FREE fall prevention workshops in April, 2014.  This educational workshop is designed for older adults who are raising their grandchildren however any older adult who is concerned about falling is more than welcome to attend. 

This dynamic two-hour workshop will not only educate about fall risk factors associated with growing older and loss of balance but also teach evidence-based fall prevention exercises proven to reduce the risk of an accidental fall.

Since the goal is to facilitate behavior change and adherence of easy-to-do exercises proven to prevent falls, each participant will receive materials to take home.  We are lucky to have received grant funding to make this possible. Thus, PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Both workshops will be held at Lakeview Village in Citrus Heights.  This older adult mobile home community has a large, centrally located clubhouse where the workshop will be held.  There will also be a light luncheon afterward.   Both the workshop and lunch are FREE so mark your calendars.
And don't forget to save your spot.  REGISTER TODAY!!!

Educational Fall Prevention Worskhops:
1.  Tuesday, April 8.  10am-noon
     Lakeview Village (6211 Summerset Lane Citrus Heights)
2.  Tuesday, April 29.  10am-noon
     Lakeview Village (6211 Summerset Lane  Citrus Heights).

To register, call Lakeview Village :   916-729-0460

See you in April! 
The Fall Prevention Lady 
 

Sacramento fall prevention classes in the spring!

Spring forward, fall backward.  If it was up to me, there wouldn't be ANY falls (especially backward) but as the "Fall Lady", I hear jokes about the season of fall often.  Since we turned clocks forward today, I would like to announce my upcoming balance training classes in the Sacramento region. 

When I refer to my "classes", I am talking about the FallProof™ balance training sessions that progressively challenge the body's balance systems.  Classes meet for one-hour, twice a week, for four weeks; a total of eight classes.   Class size is limited to no fewer than 6 and no more than 14 participants.

I conduct pre- and post-assessment fitness data on each person so I allow two hours for the first class so everyone can complete paperwork and get tested.    There is a fee that is not covered by insurance yet so contact me if you are interested in this physical-therapy based balance training program.

As of now, I have two balance training sessions scheduled for April in the Sacramento region.

Balance training classes:
1.  Presentation of the Virgin Mary Church (4123 Robertson Ave, Sacramento, 95821)
     12:30p-1:30p, Monday and Friday
     March 31-April 28, 2014
     THIS TRAINING CLASS IS FULL

2.  Fremont Presbyterian Church (8770 Carlson Dr  Sacramento, 95819).  Across from Sac State.
      9:00-10:15 am, Monday & Friday
      April 7-May 2, 2014
      Call to register:   916-452-7132

I will keep you posted as new class locations are determined.
Hope to see you in class.

Spring forward!
The Fall Prevention Lady

Fall Prevention Lady's Train-the-Trainer workshop

I am proud to announce that I will be presenting four fall prevention Train-the-Trainer workshops as part of Kisco's Stand Strong Fall Prevention program.  As a certified FallProof™ balance and mobility specialist and Stepping On Master Trainer, I have designed an amazing workshop for the Wellness Directors of this national senior living company.

I will start with the southern California office on March 18 and travel to the Walnut Creek location for an all-day workshop on March 20th.  After a long weekend, I will travel to Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina for a workshop and then finish up in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

These workshops are not only educational but also skills-based.  Fall prevention research has shown that small group training is more effective that training the masses.  An intimate setting enables people to practice the skills they need under close supervision and ask any questions that may arise.  Balance training should be individualized and so should trainer trainings.

I am confident that having Wellness Directors who have completed the Fall Prevention Lady's Train-the-Trainer workshops as part of their Stand Strong kick-off, Kisco will offer a better quality of living for senior residents.