Waterstone of Westchester and Burke Launch Education Series

WHITE PLAINS, NY (August 7, 2023) – Falls are among the top reasons for emergency room visits. They can irrevocably alter lives, especially for senior citizens who can go from being independent to needing constant care.

That is why preventing falls is a top priority, said Chief Medical Officer Mooyeon Oh-Park, MD, physiatrist at Burke Rehabilitation when addressing seniors at Waterstone of Westchester last week.

Dr. Oh-Park’s presentation was the first in a series of educational programs Burke is planning at Waterstone as part of a new partnership to bring useful health information to its residents.

“Keeping our residents happy and productive is a top priority for us here at Waterstone,’’ said Lauren Freifeld, Executive Director of Waterstone of Westchester, a luxury senior living community in White Plains. “Our connection with Burke and White Plains Hospital is a valuable resource for this community.’’

“We are excited to forge this new educational partnership with the Waterstone of Westchester and share our expertise with its residents,” said Burke’s Executive Director Scott Edelman, MBA, CPA, CFE. “Burke is a leader in rehabilitation and through this series, we can help participants live safe and healthy lives.”

Dr. Oh-Park stressed how important it is for everyone, but especially older adults to prevent falls. She said that by 2030 adults over the age of 65 will make up 20 percent of the population, and falls will have a marked impact on the state of healthcare. Burke works to help its patients not only recover from falls but strengthen balance and posture to prevent them. Here are some suggestions that Dr. Oh-Park made for preventing falls.

• Have your doctor or pharmacist review your medications. Some combinations of medications can result in dizziness that can cause falls.
• Exercise to improve strength and balance.
• Have your eyes and feet checked. Poor vision can cause falls, as well as poor foot health and wearing the wrong shoes.
• Fall-proof your home by removing clutter, taping down area rugs, installing grab bars and adding nonslip mats to bathtubs and shower floors.

About Waterstone of Westchester

Waterstone of Westchester features 132 beautifully appointed residences and supportive services designed to provide seniors with independence, connection and socialization. Residents enjoy a full array of exceptional amenities including a movie theater, fitness center, indoor pool, lobby bar, art studio and salon. Services include chauffeured car service, garage parking and on-site concierge. Gourmet cuisine is prepared by professional chefs who use locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Residents also have access to home care services through an on-site partnership with VNS Westchester.

Waterstone of Westchester is the latest best-in-class independent senior living community created by leaders in the field. EPOCH Senior Living is the owner/operator and National Development is the owner/developer. EPOCH Senior Living operates 16 senior living communities in the Northeast. Waterstone of Westchester is the company’s first independent senior living community in New York State.

For more information about Waterstone of Westchester, visit www.waterstoneofwestchester.com or call 914-821-6369.

About Burke Rehabilitation

Burke Rehabilitation nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a best hospital 2023-2024, is a not-for-profit healthcare organization devoted solely to acute physical rehabilitation. Its main campus is located in White Plains, NY. Founded in 1915 through an endowment from philanthropist John Masterson Burke, it has been a member of the Montefiore Health System since 2016. Burke operates the only hospital in Westchester County dedicated solely to adult and adolescent rehabilitation medicine. Burke also offers therapeutic care in locations throughout Westchester County, the Hudson Valley and the Bronx for those who have experienced injuries, surgery, or chronic conditions, from the simple to the very complex. For additional information, please visit burke.org.