Fall Prevention for Caregivers
This introductory program focuses on developing skills in the caregiver to enhance their ability to prevent falls in clients and patients. They will expand and refine their existing knowledge of how to support patients with practical step-by-step strategies. This program is based on the movement education method of the Alexander Technique. The Alexander Technique teaches optimum body mechanics, coordination, balance, flexibility, and fluidity of movement that is applicable to the caregiver and the patient.
During the program caregivers will receive verbal and experiential hands-on guidance to bring them to a state of alertness that helps them and their patients create a safe environment. Through working better and with more awareness the caregiver will function with less stress and have fewer injuries.
High and low functioning clients of all ages, genders, and abilities are addressed in this program. Simple balance exercises will be given to the caregiver with instruction on how to teach them to their patients as it is appropriate.
The program is appropriate for caregivers who work in one-on-one settings as well as those in senior centers, day treatment centers, assisted living, group homes, and health care facilities. It is appropriate for professional caregivers such as nurses, Occupational Therapists, Recreational Therapists, CNAs as well as alternative practitioners such as Alexander Teachers, yoga teachers, and fitness instructors.
OBJECTIVE
• To increase the awareness of the caregiver so they are fully present, alert, and compassionate in ensuring their client’s safety.
• To refine and practice the caregivers patient transfer and support abilities through a practical 4-step process.
• To learn simple coordination and strengthening exercises to improve balance in themselves and their patients.
Handouts will be available in English and Spanish. Students should come wearing work clothing. Students will be evaluated with a quiz.
Course Timing: 3 hours
Fee: $600
CONTENT AND SCHEDULE
Introduction and Overview
• Education/communication strategies
• Movement aspects
• Sensory integration
Environmental Assessment
Psychological Elements
• Fear of Falling
• Working with habits
• Staying calm – breathing
Body Mechanics and Balance: Basic 4-step Process
• How to Stay Alert and Aware
• Notice, Pause, Redirect, Move
• How to apply process in activity
Working with the Patient
• Enrolling patient in the task
• Communication
• Using supportive language
Transfers
• In bed positioning
• Bed to chair
• Chair to standing
In Motion – Walking
• Walking Basics
• Assisted Walking: Walkers, Crutches, Canes, Handrails
• Walking Solo
• Stairs
Balance and Strength Exercises
• Chair
• Standing
• Walking
Self Care
• Taking Care of yourself
• Resting – lie down
Quiz and Evaluation Form
PRESENTERS
Ann Rodiger
Ann Rodiger is the Founder and Director of the Balance Arts Center. She has been teaching the Alexander Technique, posture, body mechanics, balance, and alignment for over 25 years. She has worked with multiple populations with diverse backgrounds, ages, movement abilities, aptitudes, and professions.
Ann holds a M.A. in Dance from The Ohio State University and is a member of AmSAT (American Society of the Alexander Technique). She is a Certified Labanotator and has extensive study in Bartenieff Fundamentals, Feldenkrais, Yoga, Meditation, and various dance techniques.
She has taught at universities such as the University of Illinois-Urbana, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Hawaii-Manoa, City College of NY, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. She is the Director of the baace Arts Center Alexander Technique Teacher Training Program in New York City.
She has published “The Joy of Walking Well” CD and her book entitled “Your Body At Work: Sitting at Your Work Station” will be available in September 2009. She has developed the Balance Arts Floor Class and the Balance Arts in a Chair class content. She teaches the Certification program for Balance Arts Chair class designed to help people with limited range of motion move better.
Karen Braga
Karen Braga brings 25 years of performing and teaching experience to her students. She has worked with students from all walks of life, including Home Health Aides for the Member 1199 Speakers Bureau, seniors for the “Art of Walking” workshop at the YM &YWHA of Washington Heights/Inwood and “Alexander Technique and Exercise” at Hudson View Gardens Senior Center, actors at NYU, and authors at the Woodhull Inst. She has a BA in communications from Albion College and an MFA in acting from Temple University. She is a certified shiatsu practitioner and a certified Alexander Technique teacher (ATI) . She teaches privately and at NYU”s Tisch School of the Arts.
