Showing posts with label sacramento fall prevention consultant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sacramento fall prevention consultant. Show all posts

Friday, July 13, 2012

Fall Prevention Consultant

My name is Kelly Ward and I am the Fall Prevention Lady.  I have been studying falls and the prevention thereof since 2006.  I am passionate about sharing my knowledge with older adults, their loved ones and the people who care for them in order to prevent accidental slips and trips. 

While there are multiple causes for falls, there is usually an underlying impairment that contributes to loss of balance.  Fall prevention researchers have identified common causes of falls, some can be modified and others must be managed.  In my book, The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention™, I discuss these factors and provide practical tips to remedy these situations.  My book is easy to understand manner and is also entertaining.    A definite MUST READ!

I am a "fall prevention consultant" because I am able to recognize situations that contribute to falls and can provide examples of how to minimize those risks.  As a balance and mobility specialist, I am able to progressively train the body's balance systems on an INDIVIDUALIZED level to fits each person's unique needs.

My combination of experience, training and passion make me an invaluable member in the planning and implementation of fall prevention programs.  Whether I am training older adults or assessing an assisted living environment, I am able to identify high fall risk situations and offer practical, affordable solutions.  Having worked with the best of the best in fall prevention, if I don't know how to solve a problem, I have an amazing network of professionals with whom to consult.

If you want to make your environment safer and reduce the risk of future falls, I invite you to contact me.  Although I am located in Sacramento, California, I can travel to you.  I am a professional and guarantee your satisfaction with my services.

The Fall Prevention Consultant,
the fall prevention lady


Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Fall Prevention workshop at Baywood Court Retirement Community

Today I traveled through the rain to Castro Valley in San Francisco to give a fall prevention workshop at Baywood Court Retirement Community. Back by popular demand, this is the second year I was invited to give my educational and interactive workshop and registration had to be closed after 55 people signed up. Today's audience was eager to learn about fall risk reduction and were fully engaged during my 45-minute presentation.

Baywood Court is an exclusive retirement community nestled in beautiful Castro Valley and both the staff and residents were welcoming and friendly. Gary Pike, President and Owner of Pike and Company Strategic Marketing, arranged for my presentation and did an excellent job advertising to the local community about today's educational presentation and introductory luncheon. The older adults in attendance were not only interested in learning how to remain independent but also considering future living options.

Older adult communities that offer services such as educational and interactive seminars, delicious luncheons, friendly residents, caring staff and tremendous speakers such as the Fall Prevention Lady will succeed in the competitive market of independent living. Older adult communities that provide evidence-based balance and mobility training will succeed in keeping their residents independent and out of the assisted living wing.

All for independence and remaining so,
The Fall Prevention Lady

Thursday, January 12, 2012

FallProof your new year!!!

Happy 20-12 and I hope this is the the best year of your life! After a much-needed break, I am back and I am ready to educate, demonstrate and facilitate fall prevention methods to anyone who wants to remain independent. In 2011, working independently as a certified FallProof™ balance and mobility specialist, I instructed over 200 older adults in the Sacramento region on how to improve their balance and mobility skills thereby reducing the risk of an accidental fall.

As a Public Health Educator, I presented educational and demonstrative workshops to over 150 older adults throughout the region. These one-hour workshops are designed to increase awareness of fall risk factors. Unfortunately, there are some permanent conditions associated with aging that increase fall risk. However, this does not mean a fall is inevitable but rather personal safety is essential. Education is the key to increasing this awareness.

I am an educator and I am also an instructor. I work with small groups and I offer one-on-one personal training. There are times when a person may be too weak to join a group-based program. In this case, I recommend following my Take 5 to Exercise fall prevention DVD series to learn the basics. Unfortunately, not all older adults have a DVD player so in these instances, I suggest one-on-one personal balance and mobility training. If there is a will, there is a way!

January is a time for new beginnings. Resolutions.
Begin 20-12 by FallProofing your life! Get educated. Get active. Take 5 to Exercise everyday.
Contact me if you're interested and I hope you have a great year.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Private training client climbs stairs without assistance!

I have been doing in-home private training with a 79 year-old woman for 10 sessions and today she was able to walk up the stairs into her home without assistance. YAY! I am so excited about this milestone for Sue (name changed) because by regaining the ability to independently and confidently go up the stairs was the first step to her taking control of her life again.

As a fall prevention consultant in the Sacramento area, I was hired by Sue's brother and sister in-law after Sue fell going up these same stairs. Twice. Active and healthy, Sue's relatives knew something could be done to reduce the risk of another fall and contacted me. A thorough assessment not only enabled me to immediately form a therapeutic relationship with Sue but also to identify her limitations and strengths.

Sue was so de-conditioned from being stuck in the cycle of fear and sitting in her chair that she had to relearn how to move. We started with a consistent routine of the Basic 5 stretches and slowly added lower body strengthening exercises. Because Sue was terrified of falling again, we had to get Sue to believe in herself and the self-perceived benefits of exercise. This doesn't happen overnight however repetition of activities and repeated successful attempts fostered Sue's self confidence levels.

It was amazing to witness this transformation. Even though each visit got progressively more difficult, Sue made it look easier! She's a trooper. She's a fighter. She's a believer. After a temporary setback due to a blister on her diabetic ankle, Sue set realistic goals, put her head down and invested in her independence. I brought my resistance bands and I introduced her to my stepup. We broke out the soup cans. We laughed. We shared Starbucks. After 10 one-hour sessions, Sue walked up her stairs without the assistance of her helper.

Once reluctant to confirm the next appointment, Sue called me tonight to setup our next visit and to purchase 5 more sessions. She called me to thank me for teaching her how to walk up her stairs again. It was so beautiful to hear her say, "now I know where each foot goes and which foot gets the emphasis". Praise the Lord!

Sue decided to Take 5 to Exercise each day. When asked if she felt stronger, she said, "as much as I hate it, yes I do!". She loves her new strength and the glow in her face is beautiful. Invest in yourself. Invest in your independence. Get active and Take 5 to Exercise each day.