A new educational series for family caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, at The Birches Assisted Living, 215 55th St., Clarendon Hills.
The topic is “The Role of Exercise in Fall Prevention,” presented by Mike O’Brien and Joan O'Brien, RN, MSN, the owners of Independence-4-Seniors.
The program will focus on the role that exercise plays in improving strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. Older adults who exercise not only remain stronger and have fewer falls, but they also benefit from stronger bones and a lower risk for a fracture if they should happen to fall.
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Getting regular exercise has proven to be the best choice for elderly people wanting to avoid falls that could endanger their health. Almost one in three elderly people have a fall each year with risk of falling increasing with age. Poor balance, failing or reduced eyesight, the side effects of medications and dementia are among the reasons older people fall.
Participants will have a chance to practice some exercises and take home handouts with a list of exercises that can be done safely at home.
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The program presenters are very qualified. Joan O’Brien has over 35 years of healthcare experience as a registered nurse with extensive skills in physical assessment and diagnosis. She has held clinical and management positions at the University of Chicago Medical Center and Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center. She received a bachelor of science degree in Nursing from Loyola University of Chicago and a master’s degree in Nursing from Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies. She lives in Western Springs.
Mike O’Brien has more than 35 years of experience in the health care industry and has held senior level positions in sales and business development with Baxter Healthcare, Caremark, ManorCare, Sun Healthcare Group, and Allscripts. Mike is a member of the board of directors of the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Chapter of NPDA. He is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) with the Society of Certified Senior Advisors. Mike received a bachelor of science degree from Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland and completed the Executive Program of the Yale Graduate School of Business. Mike resides in the village of Western Springs, Illinois.
The Birches’ educational series is led by Jackie Raschke, director of Encore and Dementia Services at The Birches, who received specialized training in support group leadership from the Alzheimer’s Association.
More than 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to grow to more than 15 million by the middle of the 21st century. No two people experience Alzheimer’s disease in the same way. As a result, there's no one approach to caregiving. Responsibilities can range from making financial decisions, managing changes in behavior, to helping a loved one get dressed in the morning.
Handling these duties is hard work, but by learning skills, a caregiver can make certain the loved one feels supported and is living as full a life as possible. A caregiver also needs to preserve well-being for her or himself.
The Birches Assisted Living is dedicated to providing caring and professional assisted living services that assure its residents safety, security and comfort. Located in Clarendon Hills, The Birches offers a full calendar of programs and activities designed to promote a stimulating and rewarding retirement lifestyle.
The public is invited to attend this free program, space permitting, and registration is required. Call Jackie Raschke at 630-570-6175 or visit http://www.birches.net.
