U.S. Senate Passes National Fall Prevention Day
Please click the title of this post to link to an article in the Senior Journal about U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski's (D-Md) victory in her on-going battle to prevent falls among senior citizens. (September 23, 2008)
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Thank you for your article "Don't Fall Down,OKlahoma". It is important to draw attention to the problem of fall prevention for the elderly as Dr Harbour and Sen.Mikulski are doing.
After conducting training seminars in 11 states for health care workers in long term care facilities, I am encouraged to get the word out. Benevolent Ballet-Fall Prevention for the Elderly is a unique approach to exercise. The program was developed to address several quality of life concerns.
1. First of all, we all know that exercise is important to maintain mobility and to reduce the risk of falls.
2. We also know that it is often difficult to engage the elderly in activities. Motivating the frail elderly or those with Alzheimer's or other dementias is especially difficult.
3. Although staff tries to provide their residents with joyful moments, it can be very challenging with the frail elderly who may be apathetic, withdrawn, depressed, angry or anxious.
The exercises (chair and standing if capable) are adapted to the physical and cognitive ability of the participants. The use of classical and semi classical music adds an enriching arts component to the program and improves the quality of movement. The program can be implemented in community settings, or nursing and assisted living facilities. The Benevolent Ballet-Fall Prevention for the Elderly program builds on the residents retained strengths including the appreciation of music, beauty and humor. The staff training includes approaches to communicating with and inspiring the residents to participate and to do so to the best of their physical and cognitive ability.
As for my background, I was trained to teach in London at the Royal Ballet School. After a forty year career of working with populations ranging from the very gifted to those with physical and mental challenges it was suggested that I develop a program for the elderly. The idea being that through the magic of classical music and movement the elderly (even those with Alzheimer's and other dementias) would be motivated to participate. It works! Please visit my web site(www.benevolentballet.com) for outcomes and more information.
Sheila
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