Taking a proactive approach to helping residents stay balanced, fit and safe, Presbyterian Village North (PVN) offers educational and hands-on balance classes, programs and exercises. The community started “A Matter of Balance,” which is an eight-week program featuring balance classes held once a week for two hours. This award-winning program is free for residents and has been designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Every fall PVN also kick-starts their “No Falls in the Fall” campaign, which gives residents the opportunity to learn helpful safety measures and makes them more aware of their bodies and their surroundings. In addition to these programs, residents celebrated Active Aging Week by participating in various fitness classes that assisted residents in developing and maintaining balance, strength and flexibility.
“According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries to older adults,” said Shannon Radford, wellness director at Presbyterian Village North. “Falls can cause moderate to severe injuries and can increase the risk of early death. Fortunately, falls are a public health problem that is largely preventable. That’s why we are taking a preemptive approach by offering balance classes, tutorials and more to help educate residents. We want residents to know that falls can be controlled and prevented. We were excited to offer A Matter of Balance for the first time this year.”
A Matter of Balance is held in various locations in Dallas County, one of which is Presbyterian Village North. This class is free for seniors and teaches attendees to view falls as controllable, set goals for increased activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home and exercise to increase strength and balance. Seniors are encouraged to attend if they are concerned about falls, if they are interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength, if they have fallen in the past or if they have restricted activities because of falling concerns. The program is offered in partnership with Community Council of Greater Dallas and Area Agency on Aging.
“This program could not have started at a better time,” said Radford. “In conjunction with these programs and activities, we also celebrated Falls Prevention Awareness Day, a holiday put in place by the National Council on Aging. This day of awareness was recognized on the first day of fall, September 23rd. The event seeks to raise awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults. This holiday kick-started a weekly program which we’ve dubbed “No Falls in the Fall.” Keith McCrate, director of rehabilitation at Presbyterian Village North, will lead the balance testing and tutorials every Tuesday.”
Residents may sign up for individual balance testing every Tuesday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the physical therapy clinic. Since leading an active lifestyle and exercising are both important components of maintaining a balanced life and personal wellbeing, PVN has scheduled a myriad of exciting and fulfilling activities for the entire month of October in recognition of Active Aging Week, which ran from September 27th through October 3rd. Active Aging Week celebrates aging and active living. Presbyterian Village North is extending the celebration of active aging for the entire month of October. PVN residents are eager to live it up and have some fun in a safe, friendly and energetic atmosphere.
“Staying updated with innovative classes and hands-on tutorials helps to keep residents savvy when it comes to wellness,” said Ron Kelly, executive director at Presbyterian Village North. “We are giving them the tools they need to live fulfilled, safe and fun lives in their retirement. We pride ourselves on providing these opportunities for resident safety and are happy to hear that our residents feel more confident in daily living. These wellness initiatives bring peace of mind to their families as well. Programs and educational series such as these help us achieve five-star ratings from healthcare organizations and publications nationwide.”