New Training Program Helps Seniors Reduce Risk of Falling

Nov. 10, 2011 - PRLog -- Devon, PA, November 10, 2011:  It’s ironic that seniors who fear falling actually change their lifestyles in ways that make them more likely to fall.  That’s because the natural reaction to a fear of falling is to stop doing the activities that might lead to a tumble.  And when seniors become less active, they also become weaker, less balanced, and, as a result, more prone to falling. To combat this problem, Pam Rakoczy, licensed and registered occupational therapist (OTR/L) and President of Liberty In Home Care in Devon, Pennsylvania, recently became certified to teach an educational and exercise program, ‘A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls.’ The program, developed at the Roybal Center at Boston University, is now available along the Philadelphia Main Line and in Chester and Delaware Counties of Pennsylvania.  Rakoczy is offering her training program to continuing care retirement communities, assisted living facilities, senior centers, churches and other organizations whose members can benefit.  

“When people are young, falling usually isn’t a big deal,” says Rakoczy.  “But as we age, a fall can be life changing and may even lead to death.  It’s no wonder that seniors try to protect themselves by doing less. This lack of activity, however, is not only is this bad for their physical health, it can also lead to depression as they become more isolated. The ‘Matter of Balance’ program empowers seniors to conquer their fears by showing them practical ways reduce their risk of falling.”

Program participants, adults 60 or older who are concerned about the risk of falls, gain confidence when they learn how to control trips and tumbles.  Seniors find out that while they watch TV from the ‘safety’ of their comfy chair, their muscles atrophy, and they lose strength and balance, becoming more susceptible to a fall.  They then set goals to increase their activity levels.  Seniors also discover changes to make at home to reduce the risk of falls, for example, eliminating throw rugs and extension cords.  Attendees are also are trained to recognize and eliminate ‘fall-ty’ habits. Since seniors must learn to express their fears, and that they’re not alone, ‘A Matter of Balance’ starts by exploring concerns about falling.  From the third week on, fall prevention training is blended with thirty minutes of exercises to increase strength and balance.  

After completing the program, which is taught across the nation by volunteers like Pam Rakoczy, most participants report that they are comfortable increasing their activity levels, plan to continue exercising and recommend would ‘A Matter of Balance.’  Of course, they also suffer fewer falls.  A graduate of the program, Becky King, says “It is most important you do the little things every day to strengthen your ankle and leg muscles. They are your prime ways to successfully manage a fall. If you don't, you're at the mercy of the fall - of gravity - of momentum. If all it takes is 30 minutes a day to keep me strong - I'll do it.”

The ‘Matter of Balance’ educational program includes eight weekly two-hour sessions. For more information about scheduling the ‘Matter of Balance’ program for your community, or finding out where you can attend one near you, contact Pam Rakoczy, Liberty In Home Care, 610-254-9440 or visit http://libertyinhomecare.com.

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Liberty In Home Care provides affordable in home care that enables your parent or spouse to remain independent in the comfort of their home, while taking the burden off your shoulders. We take care of their daily needs so you can spend your time together like you used to, simply enjoying each other’s company. 610-254-9440