HENDERSONVILLE – A Carolina Village fall prevention initiative will be featured at the International Council on Active Aging Conference and Expo in Anaheim, CA later this month. The goal of this conference is to share successful ideas between retirement communities.

"Protect your gourd: Creating a large-scale fall reduction event" will be presented at the conference on October 31. It will detail the award-winning large-scale fall reduction festival that took place at Carolina Village last November. The interdisciplinary initiative was created by Carolina Village Wellness Coordinator, Aleen Dailey; Director of Therapy, Sara Fink; and Resident Nurse, Savannah Tadlock. 

It started as an idea to get residents excited about classes and services already offered at Carolina Village. The ultimate goals, however, were to enhance residents’ quality of life and to prevent falls. It morphed into a week-long “Falls Festival” that incorporated wellness, therapy, nursing, dining services, and external community partners, such as the Council on Aging. With more than 20 workshops, lectures, lunch-and-learns, and social events over the course of the week, festival attendees played cornhole, went on a Park Stroll, ate lunches designed specifically to promote bone health, and so much more.

“The selection committee was extremely selective in choosing presenters from many talented professionals who submitted proposals for our consideration,” said Julie Milner, ICAA Chief Operating Officer.

“We are very proud and honored that Aleen, Sara, and Savannah were selected to present at the ICAA conference,” said Kevin Parries, Carolina Village CEO. “It’s wonderful to see others recognize their dedication and commitment to keeping residents active and healthy. I’m sure other communities will be inspired by the work they’ve been doing here.”

The ICAA conference focuses on educating professionals in retirement, assisted living, rehabilitation, wellness, fitness and recreation fields, those who wish to achieve greater success with the 50-plus demographic.

This Falls Festival initiative was also selected as the recipient of LeadingAge North Carolina’s 2023 Excellence in Innovation award in May.

Dailey will also present “Power Training: Can It Work in a Group Fitness Setting?" at the conference.