Falls Prevention Resources
Falls prevention is a team effort and everyone has a role to play to reduce falls risk. Join us to learn how strengthening community connections can keep you and those you care for safe with our activities during Falls Prevention Week 2022.
One in four Americans aged 65 and over fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of injuries, which can be fatal, for older adults. A fall can have serious impacts on long-term health, day-to-day function, and independence. The good news is that many falls can be prevented. One of the ways you can prevent a fall is by knowing who you can call on for help or creating a falls prevention team to help you spot and address your fall risks.
This year’s Falls Prevention Week will be held Sept. 19-23. Our goal remains the same – helping you learn the many ways to prevent falls.
Starting Sept. 1, you can begin the Falls Prevention Passport Challenge.
While you wait for Falls Prevention Week 2022, check out the Physical Activity Resource Guide for inspiration on your journey!
If you are already exercising on a regular basis, keep it up! If you haven’t been active in the last few years, don’t worry. But remember to check in with your doctor before starting to find out which types of exercise are best for you.
Building Strong Feet and Legs, 12:30-2 p.m.
Location: West Age Well Center (909 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder)
Description: Good balance requires an individual’s feet and legs to be active, strong, flexible, and responsive to all kinds of changes in environment, activity, terrain, health, uses, and body weight. This program will educate participants on accessing neuroscience to better understand the body’s balance, to build strength in areas key to balance, and to review different ways to improve balance. Participants will be encouraged to try out different things, engage with the instructor, and move around. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring water to stay hydrated.
Register for “Building Strong Feet and Legs” here or by calling 303-441-3148.
Three B’s of Fall Prevention, 1-2 p.m.
Location: Louisville Recreation & Senior Center (900 Via Appia Way, Louisville)
Description: Want to be steadier on your feet? Join certified personal trainer Diana Walley for a fun and engaging class on the Three B’s of Fall Prevention. You will learn simple and effective exercises to improve your balance, strength and flexibility to help you stay active for years to come!
Register for “Three B’s of Fall Prevention” here or by calling 303-335-4919.
Balance and Fall Prevention, 1-2 p.m.
Location: Longs Peak Medical Center, 1st Floor Conference Room (1760 E. Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont)
Description: Join us to discuss the multifactorial causes of falls and how to reduce your risk through lifestyle and environmental modifications. Learn simple balance exercises that you can begin doing immediately that are shown to improve balance and reduce your risk of falls.
Please call 720-718-1210 to register.
Dance for Balance, 2-3 p.m.
Location: Lafayette Senior Center (103 S. Iowa Ave, Lafayette)
Description: 3rd Law Dance/Theater offers gentle movement classes for people living with Parkinson’s or with other mobility considerations. Evidence from more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific studies show the effectiveness and benefits of the Dance for PD teaching approach. Dance improves quality of life by increasing mobility, endurance, balance and strength through joyful physical activity. For Boulder Falls Prevention Week, in chairs or standing, we will explore elements of different dance styles with energizing and inspiring music to accompany us. No experience necessary. 3rd Law’s Dance for Parkinson’s classes for Boulder Falls Prevention Week are generously sponsored by Spine West Physiatry & Sport Medicine: Feel better. Move Better. Expect more.
Reducing Your Fall Risk with Chinook Pharmacy, 11 a.m.-noon
Location: Lafayette Senior Center (103 S. Iowa St., Lafayette)
Description: Many factors play into our fear of falling. Did you know that the medications you take could put you at higher risk for falling? We are pleased to have a pharmacist from Lafayette’s Chinook Pharmacy to discuss medications that could put you are higher risk and get your current medications reviewed.
Register for “Reducing Your Fall Risk with Chinook Pharmacy” here.
Balance Screens, 1-5 p.m. (Every 15 minutes!)
Location: Longs Peak Medical Center, 4th Floor Conference Room (1760 E. Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont)
Description: Balance screens and fall risk assessments. Please register through link to secure your time.
Please call 720-718-1210 to register.
Falls Prevention – Introduction to Tai Chi, 1-2 p.m.
Location: West Age Well Center (909 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder)
Description: Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise utilizing slow, relaxed movement, a quiet mind, and deep, natural breathing that stimulates the flow of qi or chi (intrinsic energy). When qi flows harmoniously, the mind, body, and spirit are in balance, enhancing one’s physical and mental well-being, relieving stress and improving health. This ancient form of exercise has been shown to be very effective in improving balance in older adults and can be adapted to a variety of fitness levels. Join Older Adult Services Instructor, Steve Arney, for an introduction to tai chi, emphasizing balance, and including time for questions and answers. No charge, registration required.
Register for “Introduction to Tai Chi” here or by calling 303-441-3148.
Dance for Balance, 1-2 p.m.
Location: Meals on Wheels Coal Creek Cafe (455 N. Burlington Ave., Lafayette)
Description: 3rd Law Dance/Theater has offered gentle movement classes for people living with Parkinson’s Disease or other mobility considerations since 2016. Evidence from more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific studies show the effectiveness and benefits of the Dance for PD® teaching approach. Dance improves quality of life by increasing mobility, endurance, balance and strength through joyful physical activity. In chairs or standing, this class will explore elements of different dance styles accompanied with energizing and inspiring music. All classes welcome and include people of all abilities, as well as families, friends and care-partners. No experience necessary. 3rd Law’s Dance for Parkinson’s classes for Boulder Falls Prevention Week are generously sponsored by Spine West Physiatry & Sport Medicine: Feel better. Move Better. Expect more.
Register for “Dance for Balance” here.
Medication Safety and Fall Risk, 1-2:15 p.m.
Location: Louisville Recreation & Senior Center (900 Via Appia Way, Louisville)
Description: Do you have questions about medications? Join us for a short presentation from Pharmacists at Good Samaritan Medical Center to learn about medication safety, best practices for how to take medications as directed, how to store medications safely, and how to keep track of taking multiple medications. There will be an opportunity for Q&A and individual medication review. Please bring your medication list and your questions!
Register for “Medication and Safety Fall Risk” here or by calling 303-335-4919.
Nutrición y La Prevención de las Caídas, 1:30-3 p.m.
Ubicación: Longmont Senior Center, Room B (910 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont)
Descripción:
- Cuando pensamos en la prevención de las caídas, solemos pensar en ejercicios para aumentar la fuerza muscular u ósea. También nos viene a la mente dispositivos de ayuda como bastones y andadores
- Igual de importantes son la nutrición y la dieta, que pueden ayudar a prevenir las caídas y a reducir los daños si se producen
- Prevenir la pérdida de masa muscular y ósea con una dieta adecuada
Conseguir/mantener un peso adecuado - Mantener los niveles adecuados de azúcar en la sangre para evitar los mareos y la inestabilidad derivados de la hipoglucemia
- Garantizar la adecuación nutricional de la dieta para prevenir las anemias, que pueden provocar fatiga, entumecimiento, mareos, niebla cerebral y aumentar el riesgo de caídas
- Utilizar suplementos nutricionales específicos, para revertir las deficiencias relacionadas con la edad y medicación
Inscríbase aquí “Nutrición y La Prevención de las Caídas”
Medications and Fall Prevention, 2-3 p.m.
Location: Longs Peak Hospital, 3rd Floor Conference Room (1750 E. Ken Pratt Blvd, Longmont)
Description: Falls are the #1 cause of injury in adults over 65 and medications have been estimated to cause around 25% of all falls. How can medications increase or decrease your risk for falls? Bring all the questions you’ve ever wanted to ask a pharmacist and we’ll review specific medications that can increase your risk for a fall and what you can do to manage side effects. We’ll also discuss cannabis and what it can mean for your fall risk.
Please call 720-718-1210 to register.
Balance Screens, 8 a.m.-noon (Every 15 minutes)
Location: Longs Peak Medical Center, 4th Floor Conference Room (1760 E. Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont)
Description: Balance screens and fall risk assessments. Please register through link to secure your time.
Please call 720-718-1210 to register.
Dance for Balance, 1-2 p.m.
Location: West Age Well Center (909 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder)
Description: 3rd Law Dance/Theater has offered gentle movement classes for people living with Parkinson’s Disease or other mobility considerations since 2016. All classes welcome and include people of all abilities, as well as families, friends and care-partners. Evidence from more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific studies show the effectiveness and benefits of the Dance for PD® teaching approach. Dance improves quality of life by increasing mobility, endurance, balance and strength through joyful physical activity. In chairs or standing, this class will explore elements of different dance styles accompanied with energizing and inspiring music. No experience necessary, registration is required. 3rd Law’s Dance for Parkinson’s classes for Boulder Falls Prevention Week are generously sponsored by Spine West Physiatry & Sport Medicine: Feel better. Move Better. Expect more.
Register for “Dance for Balance” here or by calling 303-441-3148.
Older Adult Balance, Coordination, and Agility Testing, Assessments available between 1-3 p.m.
Location: Louisville Recreation & Senior Center (900 Via Appia Way, Louisville)
Description: Louisville Recreation & Senior Center Fitness Staff will be offering two assessments evaluating Balance, and Coordination & Agility for Older Adults. These 2 assessments will give you information about your agility and balance which can help you know your risk for a fall.
Register for “Older Adult Balance, Coordination, and Agility Testing” here or by calling 303-335-4919.
How to Make a Fabulous Smoothie Bowl, 4-5 p.m.
Location: Natural Grocer Vitamin Cottage’s Community Room (1745 N. Main St., Longmont)
Description: Getting sufficient daily nutrition as we age can be a challenge that we struggle to deal with. As we age, it’s common to lose interest in creating well balanced meals for ourselves. Join Jennifer Hoppert, the Nutritional Health Coach at the Longmont Natural Grocers store as she presents a short class and a recipe demonstration on how to maximize nutrition in one simple, quick, delicious dish- The Smoothie! This class shows you which ingredients and superfoods you can choose to maximize the nutrition value and the flavor of this simple, inexpensive, nutrition-packed meal.
Vision and Aging, 10-11 a.m.
Location: Longs Peak Medical Center, 4th Floor Conference Room (1760 E. Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont)
Description: Discussion of general vision changes as we get older and age-related eye diseases. The focus is on how aging impacts vision, independence, safety, fall prevention techniques, and how to stay safer in your home.
Please call 720-718-1210 to register.
Staying on Your Feet – Preventing Medication-Related Falls, 1:30-3 p.m.
Location: West Age Well Center (909 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder)
Description: This presentation will cover falls statistics for older adults, identify risk factors for falls, explore medications as risk factors, and discuss strategies for preventing medication-related falls. Following the medication presentation and a short break, BCH will also provide a short panel presentation and discussion with a physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech-language pathologist on cognitive fitness, home safety and balance and how you can reduce your risk of falls.
Presented by: Ira Gupta is a pharmacist at the Boulder Community Health hospital. She is board-certified in geriatric pharmacy and also works as a consultant pharmacist in the long-term care setting, where she helps improve outcomes for older adults by optimizing their medication regimens.
Register for “Staying on Your Feet – Preventing Medication-Related Falls” here or by calling 303-441-3148.
Choose Your Own Adventure in the Pursuit of Falls Prevention!
Check out the following programming to learn how to prevent falls for yourself as your loved ones with tips and exercise!
Falls Free Check Up
There are steps you can take to prevent yourself from falling. Get more information about falls prevention by answering these 12 questions.
Six Steps to Prevent a Fall
You might think you’re never going to fall, but the truth is one in three older adults falls every years in the U.S. The good news is that mots falls are preventable. Start by learning six easy steps.
Watch “NCOA: Six Steps to Prevent a Fall” here.
You Have the Power to Prevent a Fall
This video showcases programs that can keep you independent and active while reducing your risk of falling. Boulder County Area Agency on Aging and community partners offer various programs, such a T’ai Chi and Matter of Balance to help you get started.
Watch “NCOA: You Have the Power to Prevent a Fall” here.
Six Falls Prevention Steps to Help Your Older Loved Ones
Falls can result in hip fractures, broken bones, and even head injuries. Take the six steps outlined in this document to keep them healthy and independent for as long as possible. Falls can be prevented, especially if you know where to look. Learn more about the common factors that can lead to a fall.
Read “Six Falls Prevention Steps to Help Your Older Loved Ones” here.
Let’s Exercise
Staying physically active is an important part of preventing falls. Below you will find tips on how to include more physical activity in your daily life safely and get you motivated to get moving! Here are a few trusted sites you can check out to get started:
You can access the following Falls Prevention resources at your convenience!
Check out these brochures for use for yourself or with clients who are older adults or caregivers of older adults!
GET UP, get up! Tips on Sitting and Standing
Presented by Boulder County Area Agency on Aging
This video demonstrates several step-by-step techniques for getting down and up from the floor.
Please consult your physician before practicing these techniques to make sure they are appropriate for you to try. Always follow the guidelines and instructions recommended by your physician and therapists.
Tips to Prevent Falls
Presented by JoAnne Baumgartner, PT Good Samaritan Medical Center
Preventing falls can start with the shoes you wear. Learn how to make wise choices.
Using Assistive Devices to Stay Active
Presented by JoAnne Baumgartner, PT Good Samaritan Medical Center
Do I need a cane? Will walking sticks help me? What about a walker? This video examines a number of option, how they can help you maintain your balance and how to adjust them to fit you.
Tips for Going Up and Down Stairs Safely
Presented by JoAnne Baumgartner, PT Good Samaritan Medical Center
Stairs can present a challenge for people with pain and lower body limitations. Using the adage “up with the good and down with the bad” you can keep climbing safely and with less discomfort.
Hip Health
Presented by the YMCA
This class includes movements to strengthen and increase flexibility in the hips. Trainer will discuss the benefits of hip health for fall prevention among older adults as well as the benefits of these movements for people of all ages and abilities.
Body Dynamics – Foot to Core Balance and Strength
Presented by Wendy McClure
This video features an evidence-based selection of movements to reestablish foot connection to the core and beyond. The use of a textured Naboso standing mat is not required but increases the stimulation of the nerves of the foot for enhanced strength gains.
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3482 Broadway Street
Boulder, CO 80304
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Mailing Address
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Boulder, CO 80306
