Falls Prevention Lunch & Learn on September 28

The AgingME Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) is pleased to present a virtual Lunch & Learn session on falls prevention from 12 -1 pm on Thursday, September 28.

MaineHealth’s Kirsten Dorsey and Jessica Bolduc will lead a dynamic conversation about falls prevention resources for older Mainers. We will explore information about the prevalence of falls, the economic burden of falls, and fall risk factors. Using evidence-based resources, presenters will share fall risk assessment tools as well as community-based education and exercise programs for older adults.

Kirsten Dorsey, OTR/L is the National Program Director for A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about
Falls Lay Leader model, which is a program developed by MaineHealth’s Partnership for Healthy Aging.
Designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults, A Matter of Balance is
designated by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) as a top-tier, evidence-based Falls Prevention
program. Kirsten started with A Matter of Balance (MOB) in March of 2020 and her first project was creating,
piloting, and distributing the virtual translation of the MOB program.
Kirsten is an Occupational Therapist and has worked with many older adults after a fall. She is very excited
to now be focusing on preventing falls and loves to share the practical things that we can all do to prevent
falls and stay upright! Kirsten lives in Southern Maine with her husband and a 16-year-old cat who still is top
notch at keeping mice out of the farmhouse.

Jessica J. Bolduc, DrOT, MSOTR/L, FAOTA works at MaineHealth as a Healthy Aging Program Manager for
Fall Prevention and Safe Mobility joining the group in May 2023. She also represents MaineHealth within the
Maine Falls Prevention Coalition. She previously worked at NorthernLight Mercy Hospital as on occupational
therapist in acute care for the last decade. Dr. Bolduc has served as adjunct professor and content developer
in occupational therapy departments across Maine and Massachusetts. Dr. Bolduc also serves as the Chair
for the State of Maine Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.

Dr. Bolduc is licensed for occupational therapy practice in two states and is a certified clinical fieldwork
educator. She has published in OT Manager, OT Practice, The Internet Journal of Allied Health, and Sciences
and Practice, and has written textbook chapters in Gerontology for The HealthCare Practitioner and
Occupational Therapy Essentials for Clinical Competence. She has presented at national and state OT
conferences on a variety of topics.