Alleghany County Success Story – Library Partnership for Health!
(Tim Anders, Amber Chapman, Debbie Brewer)
The partnership between the High Country Area Agency on Aging, Appalachian State University, and the Alleghany County Library has been an impactful one. In 2019, the High Country Area Agency on Aging was in the process of rebuilding and restructuring the High Country Fall Prevention Coalition. The High Country AAA sought out community champions who were working with older adults and had spaces for classes to be held. The Alleghany County Library was among the first to sign up for the fall prevention coalition and offered helpful feedback on how to reach our rural Alleghany residents. Upon learning more about evidence-based health promotion programs, the two librarians, Debbie Brewer and Tim Anders, were enthusiastic and ready to become A Matter of Balance coaches! The two librarians, Debbie Brewer and Tim Anders were the first in the county to be trained in A Matter of Balance.
Debbie and Tim’s first A Matter of Balance class had a full registration and an 80% retention rate. The Alleghany community was ready and excited to learn how to address their fear of falling and stay independent! Since that first class in 2019, the Alleghany Library has continued to partner with the High Country Area Agency on Aging and more recently with Appalachian State University. Appalachian State University and the High Country AAA received an Administration for Community Living Fall Prevention Grant in the spring of 2022. One of the main goals of the grant is to expand and implement programming in the seven-county region and to increase access to programs in our rural communities. Alleghany County had no Tai Chi program or instructors in place, so the Alleghany County Library advocated for Appalachian State University and High Country Area Agency on Aging to host a Fall Prevention Awareness Week Event to gain interest in Tai Chi. This was extremely successful and resulted in full registration for the upcoming class!
To maintain classes and sustainability, Tim enthusiastically registered for the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Instructor Training. He will be the first TCA Instructor residing in Alleghany County and there have already been requests for his class next year. Tim and Debbie both had this to say when reflecting on this partnership:
“The Alleghany County Library is thankful for all the great work that Appalachian State University and High Country has performed at our library for the local community. Health Assessments and the Tai Chi Class for Arthritis and Fall Prevention classes have brought awareness and activity to our patrons. I would gladly recommend any organization that had access to these resources to use them to better their communities.” — Tim Anders, Librarian Alleghany County Library
The partnership between the Alleghany County Library, AppState & High Country has been a very valuable one. This has enabled training to be brought to our library for our Seniors, which would otherwise be unavailable to them. Aging Assessments were also offered, and a number of our seniors took advantage of these opportunities for aging assessments. I look forward to further collaboration between these agencies and our library. — Debbie Brewer, Branch Manager Alleghany County Library
The partnership and collaboration between Alleghany Co. Library, Appalachian State University, and High Country Area Agency on Aging has encouraged other counties, libraries, and communities to emphasize the relationship between service providers, community-based organizations, and older adults. It takes a village and we are grateful to have the Alleghany County Library by our side!
–Amber Chapman, Fall Prevention Project Manager, Appalachian State University, High Country Fall Prevention Coalition Chair
Virtual Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention during COVID19
“I was wondering what it would be like to take Tai Chi via zoom, as I had taken Tai Chi before in a class at the Y. It turned out that zoom worked out extremely well for me. I felt that watching the instructors via my laptop gave me a very acceptable way to view the “moves”, especially with the added screen share of Dr. Lam’s videos. The instructors capably “tag teamed” watching the participants and allowing us to watch and learn from them. With the video and audio ability to also ask questions, I was able to benefit from the classes. I feel it improved my coordination, posture, balance and flexibility. For me, I know I learned a great deal about transferring weight and came to understand how this is related to fall prevention. I appreciated the warmups and cool downs as well. I hope there will be a part 2 or even a “sit/stand” type of class!”
Janie S., 70, Hendersonville
Falls Prevention Success Story Video
- Video – A Falls Prevention Recovery and Success Story with Some Safety Tips: Learn how to stay active and safe while at home during Covid19.
Mitchell County Senior Center “walks the walk” in a continuum of programming!
Connie McKinney, Program Director at the Mitchell County Senior Center, facilitated A Matter Of Balance (AMOB) in the spring for 15 participants and kept the momentum going with Walk With Ease (WWE) over the summer. The group wanted to keep going so they came up with the idea of “walking to Florida.” All of the participants tracked their miles, completed this goal, and celebrated their hard work.
Offering a continuum of programs (AMOB and WWE, combined with a walking campaign) keeps participants engaged, active, and healthy. AMOB participants overcome their fear of falling, engage in gentle exercises, and increase their comfort level with physical activity. WWE then focuses on walking safely–leading to improved strength and balance, reduced pain and fatigue, and increased confidence in managing arthritis. Overall these programs lead to increased physical activity, reduced fall risk, and improved disease management — and can generate interest in other programs.
Individual Stories
Two participants had medical issues that significantly reduced their functional ability, such as the ability to get up from a chair, walk, climb stairs, or do upper body tasks using arms and hands. They both reported improvement in physical capacity after completing these programs–one was able to quilt and crochet again and one could walk further and faster, and worried less about falling.
Jean: “I am able to do stairs now, up and down stairs, which I was not able to do.”
“When you walk with people, it’s a whole lot easier and it gets you more motivated.”
Glenda: “I feel better and I’m walking better. I’m able to do what I need to do.”
“I’ve really been trying to get more people to come here and do these things because they have so much available.”
The Mitchell County Senior Center offers a variety of programs and services designed especially for older adults, including socialization, entertainment, education, exercise, and delicious nutritionally balanced lunch.
https://www.mitchellcounty.org/departments/senior-center/
A Matter of Balance is an eight-session group program that uses a variety of activities to address factors affecting a fear of falling and to tea
ch fall prevention strategies. The activities include group discussion, problem-solving, skill-building, assertiveness training, videotapes, sharing practical solutions and exercise training.
Walk With Ease is a six-week program designed to increase physical activity and reduce joint pain and stiffness. This program is designed for people with arthritis and those who have not been physically active. The program provides tools and techniques to manage symptoms and to build a safe and successful walking program.
Check out https://healthyagingnc.com/ to learn more about fall prevention and chronic conditions, and how a menu of evidence-based programs can address them in your community.
Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention Testimonial
Alyne (69), Janice (73), and Judith (76) participated in one of Healthy Aging NC’s evidence-based programs, a Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention program held at the Tsali Manor Senior Center in Cherokee in the spring/summer of 2019. Here’s what they had to say about their experience.
Q: What interested you in participating in this Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention program?
- It was different and I felt strongly it would help me. (Alyne)
- It sounded like it would be fun. (Janice)
- This increases mobility and self-awareness. (Judith)
Q: How did you hear about the program?
- My physical therapist (Alyne)
- Tsali Manor (Janice)
- Southwestern Area Agency on Aging (Judith)
Q: How would you describe Tai Chi in your own words?
- It is an exercise that is real interesting and loosens your muscles in a slow way. (Alyne)
- Easy, but beneficial for your body and mind. (Janice)
Q: What part of the program do you enjoy the most?
- Socialization (Judith)
Q: How has participating in this program impacted your daily life?
- I do some of the exercises. (Alyne)
- Yes, I do the Tai Chi moves at home. (Janice)
- Yes, I became more aware of my surroundings. (Judith)
Q: Since this program last several months, what keeps you coming back?
- It’s enjoyable! (Alyne)
- I enjoy it. (Janice)
Q: What would you want someone thinking about joining the program to know about Tai Chi?
- It would be worth a try! (Alyne)
- It’s easy and enjoyable. (Janice)
- It increases mobility and calms inner self! (Judith)
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Testimonial
Jane, 69, participated in one of Healthy Aging NC’s evidence-based programs, a Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention program held Trinity United Methodist Church in Asheville in the fall/winter of 2018-19. We sat down with her to ask some questions about her experience with this program.
Q: What interested you in taking this Tai Chi program?
Tai Chi for Arthritis sounded kind of medical, but I figured if people with arthritis could do it, surely it would be a place to start. I wanted to stay strong and flexible. I joined because the people looked to be in “my” age group and all seemed to have the same goal. We all want to remain independent and have some fun with a like-minded group while learning. Not a fight club, but a strength team! I loved the location since non-intimidating surroundings are important for older folks, and I was surprised at the no cost!
Q: What is a program like? What kinds of activities do you do?
Teachers had every one wear a name tag, and made a special effort to build some social connections, which is always good. We were given detailed guidelines for health limitations that people might have (if you get tired sit down, check with your doctor if you have questions, etc.) The group was encouraged to drink water and go at our own level. The teachers would repeat and repeat the forms so we could “get” the lesson.
Q: How has taking this program impacted your daily life?
The impact on my daily activities is more strength, flexibility, and improving balance. The more you practice the greater the benefits. I enjoy practicing and it is becoming an actual “practice” to enhance my day. Good for mind and body. I do it for fun, and it’s energizing. I have more energy to work in the garden!
Q: Since this program last several months, what keeps you coming back?
There is a fluid teaching, and if you have to be out, you can catch up. The program is a great mix of group energy, learning and fun. It is so fun to have a group all in motion doing the very fluid and graceful movements as one unit. There is strength (and stability on your feet) in beauty!
Q: What would you want someone thinking about joining the program to know about Tai Chi?
It’s fun, non-competitive, no one makes fun if you mess up, we all will at some point; laugh and keep moving. The teachers are great.
Living Healthy with Diabetes (DSMP) Success Stories
Tom, 71 years old and an Army veteran, found he would constantly sit in his living room, becoming more and more depressed. “I need to get up and move around!” he realized. Tom visited the YWCA and found out about their Diabetes Self Management Program. As he had just been diagnosed with Diabetes about six months prior, he joined right in and was impressed with how the program gave a lot of love.
Tom especially likes the positive nature of the Diabetes Self Management Program, and was inspired to do more meditation through the weekly action plans provided by the program. “The program is so dynamic,” Tom shared, “it got me off the couch—I’m interacting with people, I’m learning all the time, and I’ve changed my daily life habits.”
Tom now swims on a daily basis, although he cautions that he has learned to listen to his body and now knows his limitations. He has also joined the YWCA’s Foster Grandparent Program and lights up while talking about the kids.
Roxann, 58 years old, lights up as she receives a compliment about her magenta-colored hair—she shares that she and her grandson colored their hair together and loves being considered the “cool grandma.”
Roxann is a veteran who was diagnosed with pre-Diabetes about three months ago. New to the Asheville, NC community, she joined the Diabetes Self Management Program (DSMP) offered at the YWCA and immediately found a home with her group and program providers. “We’re not alone,” Roxann confides, “Diabetes is the fastest growing disease, we’re not alone in the struggle to get healthier.”
Roxann credits DSMP with inspiring her to try new activities like yoga and walking on the treadmill. She writes out her action plans, which helps her make the commitment to do them, and enjoys positive affirmations. She believes that education is the key, along with a lot of encouragement, which the DSMP group has given her.
Roxann now works out at the YWCA 4-5 days a week and feels a part of her community. Being active and having the support of others gave her the encouragement to battle her depression and pain. As Roxann explains: “The pain isn’t gone, but it doesn’t control me anymore.”
Walk With Ease Success Stories
Bruce is an Adjunct Lecturer in Humanities at the University of North Carolina Asheville. Bruce sat down with us to answer some questions about his experience participating in Walk With Ease in the summer of 2018.
Q: Give a brief overview of what kinds of things you participated in during the Walk With Ease program?
We met in a small group three times a week where we would stretch and then walk.
Q: What was the most helpful part of the program?
Having a group for commitment. If it’s just you then you’re likely to blow it off, but if people are there looking for you and they want to walk too, it’s easier to stay with it.
Q: Have you continued to use what you learned in this program?
I still use the stretches, and I walk all I can every day. My goal is to be in better shape at 75 than I was at 65.
Q: How did the program help your understanding of chronic conditions?
It confirmed what I already knew. I already had an understanding of my conditions and knew you have to move. Moving is key, it really helps the pain. When you move, it keeps your joints open and expels chemical build-up. When you are walking you move all of your joints and keep everything free.
When I started the program I could hardly walk one lap around the arena even using walking sticks. By the end, I was among the faster ones and I could walk extra laps.
Q: What is one thing you would like others to know about this program if they are considering participating?
It was enjoyable. It’s good to get together and have people to talk to. I would’ve ended up in a wheelchair if I didn’t keep moving and being active, the program helped me to keep active.
Q: Anything else you want people to know?
Don’t sit down, it’s not gonna get better if you do, it’s only gonna get worse. Do what you can and push yourself a little bit, within reason. Get to that limit and just go a tad beyond if you can. It’s all about getting through those barriers you give yourself. Don’t tell yourself I’m sick so I can’t do this.
Rose, 70, participated in Walk With Ease in the spring of 2019. She is now registered to become a Walk With Ease program provider.
Q: What was the most helpful part of the Walk With Ease program?
The gentleness. There was no pressure. Structure was great too, having the book to read and walking 10 minutes at a time and not all at once. The FITT tool (frequency, intensity, time, type) was helpful to let me know I was doing too much and I learned to only increase one aspect at a time.
Q: Will you continue to use what you learned in this program?
Absolutely. I will still do the stretches. Before taking this program I was in pain all the time. I would overdo it and then be in pain and unable to get up for days. Now I do 10 minutes at a time and I feel so much better. I would like to teach this program in the future because I want people to know it helps. Just follow the program. Do what you can, even if it is only for a minute.
Q: What is one thing you would like others to know about this program if they are considering participating?
I want people to know you don’t have to do it all at once–doing a little at a time makes a huge difference. I didn’t think it would help so much. It seemed too simple–but when I saw the difference with my body and I had no pain, I was convinced. It’s amazing to me.
Q: Anything else you want people to know?
Stay in your comfort zone. I thought I could handle a lot but then I would be in pain.
Don’t overexert yourself, dial it back when you’re starting to get uncomfortable. If even one person reads this and it helps them I will be thrilled.
Q: What is one thing you would like others to know about this program if they are considering participating?
I want people to know you don’t have to do it all at once–doing a little at a time makes a huge difference. I didn’t think it would help so much. It seemed too simple–but when I saw the difference with my body and I had no pain, I was convinced. It’s amazing to me.
Q: Anything else you want people to know?
Stay in your comfort zone. I thought I could handle a lot but then I would be in pain.
Don’t overexert yourself, dial it back when you’re starting to get uncomfortable. If even one person reads this and it helps them I will be thrilled.
Find more Living Healthy with Chronic Pain, Walk With Ease and Diabetes Self-Management Success Stories HERE.