Preventing falls that can have life-threatening repercussions among senior citizens is the impetus behind Fairfax County's new Fall Prevention Classes. The prevention aids seniors in maintaining an independent lifestyle in familiar surroundings.
Financed by a $15,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Health, the pilot program will initially concentrate on older residents and adults with disabilities living in the Franconia-Rose Hill area of Lee District. The program will be expanded to other areas of Fairfax County later this year, according to the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging.
"With the number of seniors living in the county expected to grow by 80 percent, we are committed to helping people grow older gracefully in their own homes," said Chairman Gerald E. Connolly (D-At-large), of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
"I am very pleased to see Fairfax County taking a proactive approach to helping our seniors keep their independence," said Supervisor Dana Kauffman (D-Lee), who chairs the Board of Supervisors' Committee on Aging. "Workshops to reduce the risk of falling and free exercise classes are cost-effective, practical approaches to enabling seniors to remain in their own homes."
Entitled "Independent Living," the program kicked off with a half-hour session Tuesday, Feb. 20 at the Lee District Recreation Center at 6601 Telegraph Road. Mary Cramer, specialized training instructor for Public Information and Life Safety Education, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, and Jennifer Edge, program coordinator for Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, presented a variety of suggestions on how to maintain independence and prevent injuries from falls, particularly in and around the home.
"The Franconia-Rose Hill area was identified by the county as an area that is under-served in elderly programs," said Edge. "It has a large elderly population and hopefully this program will enable many of those residents to remain in their homes."
The program is a collaborative effort by variety of entities. In addition to the Area Agency on Aging and the Fire Department other participants include the Fairfax County departments of Family Services, Health, and Community & Recreation Services; Inova Health System through its Community Health Division known as HealthSource; Elderlink, Options for Caregiving; and the Virginia Department of Health.
In addition to offering tips to reduce the risk of falling, the free workshops will also offer free exercise classes to improve balance and build strength. These will be provided by IHS in conjunction with Community and Recreation Services.
Upon request, participants can schedule a free, in-home consultation to identify potential safety risks and information about equipment and services that might be helpful, according to program literature.
"The first 25 people to request an in-home review will receive a $25 grocery store gift certificate for Safeway or Giant," according to the county's Department of Family Services.
Additional classes, ranging from 30 to 45 minutes each, have been scheduled at the following locations and times:
* Feb. 24, 8 a.m., St. John's Lutheran Church, 5952 Franconia Road
* March 6, 11:30 a.m., Lighthouse Baptist Church, 5901 Wilton Road
* March 29, 12:30 p.m., Franconia Senior Center, 6300 Beulah Road
* March 30, 10 a.m., Virginia Hills Baptist Church, 6507 Telegraph Road
To receive additional information or to schedule an individual appointment, call the program coordinator at 703-324-7210; TTY 703-222-9452.