Fall Prevention 101 at Woodland Senior Center

Happy Fall!?!   Of course I'm talking about the season and not the "official definition" of the tragic event of 'unintentionally coming to rest on a surface lower than originally started' (Dr. Rose, 2001).

If you know me, Kelly Ward, "The Fall Prevention Lady™at all, you know that I have been teaching older adults about things that cause falls and how to reduce that risk since starting my graduate studies in 2003.  Although we can prevent (or substantially reduce the risk of) a physical fall, we cannot prevent the season!

Ironically, the National Coalition on Aging (NCOA), the largest government agency geared to the safety and well-being of older adult, has deemed September as National Fall Prevention Awareness month, with the third week as Awareness week and the first day of fall as National Fall Prevention Awareness Day.  This year's motto was "Ready, Set, Balance: Preventing Falls in 2016".  

Today I was honored to be the keynote speaker at a fall prevention event hosted by Comfort Keepers of Yolo County, organized by Cindi Unger and hosted by the Woodland Community and Senior Center.  There was a great turnout (100+ older adults and IHHS workers) as well as community vendors including the Woodland Rotary Club.

I have been presenting my Fall Prevention 101 workshop since 2011, have been blessed to speak to audiences across the country and recently updated my copyrighted material in order to keep current with fall prevention research and supplement with valuable training skills I recently acquired.  

Regardless of how long I've been speaking to groups of older adults, family members and professionals who work with older adults, I grow more passionate about the message I deliver with each presentation.  Today, I was on fire!  I absolutely love what I do and there isn't a shadow of a doubt that I am living God's purpose for me; to empower older adults to make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of falls.  

The gratitude of the audience was humbling and even though I am not a "Physical Therapist",  I do have God's favor and ability to present a dynamic presentation that I researched, wrote and created.  

Thank you to all who attended.  I hope you are empowered to make at least one change to remain independent and on your feet in your home.  You worked hard for where you are and you have the ability to prevent a (another) fall.

Consistent, not seasonal!
Your friend and coach~

Kelly
The Fall Prevention Lady™