Lakeview Regional hosting ‘a matter of balance’ fall prevention classes

Covington, Louisiana — Lakeview Hospital , a campus of Tulane Health System, will host two eight-week workshops to help seniors and those with mobility challenges learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance, as well as find ways to change their environment to reduce fall risk factors.

The free, two-hour classes, called “A Matter of Balance – Concerns About Falls,” will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, with the second series starting Sept. 12. Both sets of classes are offered at the hospital.

A Matter of Balance, an award-winning program promoted by the Council on Aging, is an eight-week structured group intervention that emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fears of falling and increase activity levels of older adults who have this concern. The research was conducted by the Roybal Center for Enhancement of Late-Life Function at Boston University.

“Many older adults experience concerns about falling, and therefore restrict their activities,” said Tilly Gard, Lakeview Regional’s trauma program director. “It is our hope that this program will emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls and put the fear of falls aside.”

Anyone concerned about falls, interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength, and anyone who has fallen in the past should consider attending. Participants will learn to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risk at home, and learn exercises to increase strength and balance. A medical clearance from a healthcare provider is required to proceed from Session 3 due to the exercises that will be performed in the class.

Matter of Balance – Concerns About Falls

Lakeview Hospital - Magnolia Room or Pelican Room
95 Judge Tanner Blvd, Covington, LA 70433

Class Schedule Option 1:

Sept. 10, 17 & 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 30
2–4 p.m.

Class Schedule Option 2:

Sept. 12, 20 & 26, Oct. 3, 9, 17, 25 & 30
2–4 p.m.

Lakeview Regional recently announced its new “senior-friendly” emergency department, which includes several facility enhancements, as well as specialized training, to meet the unique needs of senior citizens. The ER exam rooms now offer more safety features such as additional railings on the walls and non-skid flooring to prevent falls. Older adults are treated by a team that has been specially trained in geriatric medicine, which has shown to improve outcomes and reduce the need for inpatient admissions.

For more information or to participate in the classes, please call 985.867.3900 or register online at LakeviewRegional.com.