LIVING WELL CONTINUES BALANCE WORKSHOPS
Marie Milleage
Fourteen residents participated in the second “Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls” workshop series. Sponsored by Living Well at Robson Ranch, the Area Agency on Aging of North Central Texas presented the evidence-based program, developed by a grant from the Maine Administration on Aging, and used and adapted by permission of Boston University.
Master Trainer Kim Mathis, healthcare professional Leslie Buell, and resident Marie Milleage coached the attendees through exploration and discussion in the eight-week workshop with focus on balance, strength, flexibility, and endurance. A recognized health problem among older adults is the fear of falling for those who have or have not fallen. The Matter of Balance program concentrates on preventive strategies prior to individuals becoming at risk for falls and injuries.
During the sixteen hours of meetings, workshop participants expressed their concerns about falling and identified hazards found in the home or the community. Health-related risk factors were identified as the discussion included methods to reduce falls, efforts to increase physical strength, and ways to gain balance. Falling and inactivity were reflected in loss of muscle strength, limited social interaction, and increased risk of isolation, anxiety and depression.
The multicomponent program utilized workbooks, videos, and flipcharts. After examining common fears of falling and habits that lead to falls, the group developed plans and strategies for management and prevention. Issues tackled about barriers and hazards that lead to falls included clutter, slippery areas, moving too fast, inappropriate footwear, not using a walking aid or using it incorrectly, and health related causes of low blood pressure, dizziness, medications, and inattentiveness.
Another component of the program was a discussion about talking to family members or health care professionals about falling. While fears were revealed about being placed in a nursing home, participants considered being assertive in expressing their needs for independence and asking for help when needed.
Included in the program were routine and easy exercises while seated and standing. Physical Therapist Cortney Harper joined the group during the sixth session and gave instruction on the careful method to get up after falling, how to get out of bed safely, and how to climb or descend stairs securely.
In 2018, two new workshops will be offered. More information and registration will be available on www.rrlwc.com.
All content within presentations sponsored by the Living Well at Robson Ranch Committee is intended for general information only. It should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of a professional health care provider. Neither the Living Well at Robson Ranch Committee, Robson Ranch Denton HOA, nor Robson Communities is responsible or liable for the content and do not endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised in any presentation.
Marie Milleage
Fourteen residents participated in the second “Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls” workshop series. Sponsored by Living Well at Robson Ranch, the Area Agency on Aging of North Central Texas presented the evidence-based program, developed by a grant from the Maine Administration on Aging, and used and adapted by permission of Boston University.
Master Trainer Kim Mathis, healthcare professional Leslie Buell, and resident Marie Milleage coached the attendees through exploration and discussion in the eight-week workshop with focus on balance, strength, flexibility, and endurance. A recognized health problem among older adults is the fear of falling for those who have or have not fallen. The Matter of Balance program concentrates on preventive strategies prior to individuals becoming at risk for falls and injuries.
During the sixteen hours of meetings, workshop participants expressed their concerns about falling and identified hazards found in the home or the community. Health-related risk factors were identified as the discussion included methods to reduce falls, efforts to increase physical strength, and ways to gain balance. Falling and inactivity were reflected in loss of muscle strength, limited social interaction, and increased risk of isolation, anxiety and depression.
The multicomponent program utilized workbooks, videos, and flipcharts. After examining common fears of falling and habits that lead to falls, the group developed plans and strategies for management and prevention. Issues tackled about barriers and hazards that lead to falls included clutter, slippery areas, moving too fast, inappropriate footwear, not using a walking aid or using it incorrectly, and health related causes of low blood pressure, dizziness, medications, and inattentiveness.
Another component of the program was a discussion about talking to family members or health care professionals about falling. While fears were revealed about being placed in a nursing home, participants considered being assertive in expressing their needs for independence and asking for help when needed.
Included in the program were routine and easy exercises while seated and standing. Physical Therapist Cortney Harper joined the group during the sixth session and gave instruction on the careful method to get up after falling, how to get out of bed safely, and how to climb or descend stairs securely.
In 2018, two new workshops will be offered. More information and registration will be available on www.rrlwc.com.
All content within presentations sponsored by the Living Well at Robson Ranch Committee is intended for general information only. It should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of a professional health care provider. Neither the Living Well at Robson Ranch Committee, Robson Ranch Denton HOA, nor Robson Communities is responsible or liable for the content and do not endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised in any presentation.