Local seniors are learning how to prevent falls in ‘A Matter of Balance’ workshop at Pennswood Village
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
In trauma centers across Pennsylvania, falls are the №1 cause of injury, according to Kim Everett, prevention coordinator at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne. The idea that falling is a natural part of aging has been engrained in society thanks to media and commercials, but it’s completely avoidable. As part of National Fall Prevention week, a group of seniors gathered at Pennswood Village in Newtown on Sept. 19 for the first of eight workshops in “A Matter of Balance” series hosted by St. Mary.
The idea for the workshop was adopted by the medical center five years ago after evaluating existing local programs. The goal was to provide seniors with something useful that didn’t already exist.
“A Matter of Balance” goes beyond a basic educational session to focus on the concept of cognitive restructuring. Attendees are able to address their fear of falling and collaboratively discover ways to overcome it.
“Knowledge doesn’t lead to behavioral change,” Everett said.
She explained how many seniors are trapped in an endless cycle. Because they’re afraid of falling, they become less active, which causes their body to weaken and ultimately become more susceptible to falling.
During the first two weeks of the workshop, the seniors focus on discussing their fears and brainstorming solutions. For example, one woman was nervous about attending a play at her local theater. She was afraid she might fall among the crowd or while walking from the parking lot. Solutions to her concerns included calling ahead to reserve parking or possibly using an assistive device for the evening.
If an attendee discovers an alternative that works for them, they’re able to present it during the next session. One year after a massive ice storm, Everett reflected on the 20-plus patients rushed to St. Mary after falling while trying to get the newspaper. The simple solution would be to leave the paper until the next day, but one man found success in ice cleats that attached to the bottoms of his shoes. While some of his peers were hesitant, others thought it could be beneficial for them.
“It’s all about them finding solutions from each other,” Everett said.
The first two weeks also involve basic tips on safely sitting and standing. Led by a trained volunteer moderator, attendees practice planting their feet firmly on the ground before rising. They are also encouraged to move any personal belongings out of the way beforehand to avoid accidentally tripping.
The seniors are introduced to balancing exercises in week three, though according to Everett, it’s nothing strenuous. They practice stretching wrists and arms, which are vital when protecting against a fall. No music is played during the session so they don’t feel a need to keep up with an uptempo beat if they’re unable.
“They’re never going to work up a sweat,” Everett said.
By week 4, the group is ready to work on assertiveness when interacting with doctors, pharmacists and most importantly, family members. Everett reflected on one workshop attendee named Blanche, who was constantly told by her children not to do certain things or go certain places because she “might” fall. She had the mobility to be active, but because of her age, her family felt the need to limit her. Despite their good intentions, a fear of falling was instilled in Blanche. But thanks to the workshop, she was able to overcome it and even went on a trip by herself.
Throughout her five years working with “A Matter of Balance,” Everett has seen many additional success stories as well as the continuation of friendships made during the workshop. One group of six women kept in touch afterward, still finding solutions such as water aerobics to keep their fear of falling at bay.
The eight-week sessions are held throughout the year, and are kept to an intimate size of 12–15 people. Everett said there was such a great response at Pennswood Village that there are currently two workshops taking place to accommodate all who were interested. The workshop is geared toward those 65 and older, though the less active tend to benefit more than people who are still working. At the end of the program, families are able to attend a final ceremony to see the exercises their loved ones learned to help stay fit and active.
“Falling is preventable,” Everett said. “It’s not a natural part of aging.” ••
For more information, call 215–710–2350 or visit stmaryhealthcare.org.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
