Petaluma People Services Center announced today that FallProof! will be added to the suite of programs that PPSC offers to seniors in our community. The national award-winning FallProof™ Balance and Mobility program utilizes a multidimensional approach to the assessment and treatment of balance-related problems.  This theory-driven program has proven to be effective in reducing fall risk among older adults identified at moderate-to-high risk for falls.  This intensive, evidence-based program was developed by Debra J. Rose, Ph.D., the Director of the Center for Successful Aging at California State University, Fullerton, and a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology.  Dr. Rose has considerable experience working with older adults with balance and mobility impairments.  She is widely published in the areas of motor control and balance research, and is a frequent speaker in the areas of fall-risk reduction, balance and mobility.

For the past 10 years, the Petaluma Senior Center has been offering this program, which has been supported by volunteers from Sonoma State University, Santa Rosa Junior College, Dominican University, and many Petaluma community members. Due to its popularity, there has often been a waiting list. We are pleased to announce that we now have four certified FallProof Balance and Mobility Specialist instructors. The certification process for these instructors requires approximately 100 hours of online coursework, a 3-day competency workshop, and a final examination. The new instructors are well-trained and ready to begin teaching classes.

Elece Hempel, Executive Director of Petaluma People Services Center, says, “The success of the program, with referrals from physicians and other professionals working with the aging populations, has led to a lot of growth in the program. We have had many clients participate in the program and are excited that we are now able to offer it to a growing number of seniors.”

Programing will begin again in June, and it does require a medical clearance from your Physician. You can get more information and access to the necessary forms on PPSC’s website www.petalumapeople.org.