Housing, Help and Hope for Older Adults | | |
Support Our Seniors
Christy's Corner
New Board Member
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Volunteer Profile
Resident Services
65th Anniversary Photo Collage
| | Support Our Seniors: Donate TODAY | | |
At Fellowship Square, we believe no senior should have to choose between paying rent, buying groceries, or affording medical care. Sadly, many older adults in our community live on less than $20,000 a year—far below what it takes to afford safe housing in our region. Without your support, too many face the unthinkable risk of homelessness.
Join us with a financial contribution today!
In addition, we help residents thrive through wellness programs that promote independence and dignity. One critical focus in September was fall prevention—since a single fall can rob a senior of their independence. With chair yoga, balance classes, walking clubs, and home safety education, we help residents stay strong, mobile and safe in their homes.
Your financial support allows us to support our residents daily. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today.
Together, we can give seniors more than a roof over their heads—we give them peace of mind, health and community.
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Through the year, Fellowship Square provides hundreds of programs, services, and resources to our senior residents to help them live a healthy and independent lifestyle.
September was Fall Prevention month at Fellowship Square, and we hosted many programs and activities to help residents learn how to improve their physical health, remove trip hazards, and understand why fall prevention is so important as they age. Astonishingly but not surprisingly, a report by McKnight’s Senior Living News last year stated that nearly 75% of insurance claims are related to injury from a fall.
When an older adult takes a tumble, recovery time can be lengthy. Their mental health can also wane as they are not able to do the things they were doing before, and, for many, this sets in a depression about life in general.
Fall prevention is a critical issue for seniors and while we highlighted it in September, it is something that Fellowship Square offers programming for throughout the year.
If you’ve not yet taken steps to be involved in the work we do, I encourage you to volunteer, donate, or advocate to support seniors who struggle to make ends meet. Every voice matters to us and makes lives better for the over 800 seniors who call a Fellowship House home.
With gratitude,
| | Welcome to Fellowship Square | | |
Fellowship Square is honored to introduce our new Board of Directors member, Michael Kitchen.
Mike is a client executive with IMEG, a national full-service engineering firm with multiple offices in the Washington, D.C., region. Mike has been providing civil engineering and entitlement services on projects throughout the region for over 40 years and has been with IMEG since 1997.
Mike recently completed two six-year terms on the board for Habitat for Humanity Prince William County. He also serves on the boards of and is actively involved with several development-oriented organizations in the region, including the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC), the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA) and NAIOP.
Mike is a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He currently lives in Bristow with his wife Kelli and their two children.
Thank you for your service to our organization!
| | Healthier Living Through Education | | |
Ms. Wyleng Liew, life safety education specialist for Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, and her colleagues have been community partners with Hunters Woods Fellowship House for many years, supporting our residents age safely in place through education.
In September, Ms. Liew presented a program to our residents that is so critical to the qualitative life of our seniors – fall prevention. To continue her work of supporting Fellowship Square’s mission and enhancing residents' well-being, we share some highlights of her important program.
Q: Why is fall prevention particularly critical for older adults living in community settings?
Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among adults aged 65 and older in the U.S. Falls in this age group are common, costly, and preventable.
In Calendar Year 2024, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) responded to 127,951 incidents. Of these, 14,685—or approximately 11%—were classified as fall/lift assists. The majority of these calls involved individuals aged 60 and older, underscoring a clear and growing need for strategic fall prevention and intervention efforts in this age group.
Proactive fall prevention is critical for reducing injuries, preserving independence, and managing emergency service demand.
Q: What are the most common risk factors that contribute to falls, and how can residents and caregivers identify them early?
Health-related factors
- Muscle weakness (especially in the legs)
- Balance and gait problems
- Vision impairment (poor depth perception, cataracts, glaucoma)
- Chronic conditions (arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson’s, stroke, heart disease)
- Medication side effects (sedatives, antidepressants, blood pressure meds)
- Cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium)
Environmental factors
- Poor lighting
- Clutter or obstacles in walkways
- Loose rugs or cords
- Slippery floors (bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor walkways)
- Lack of grab bars or handrails
Behavioral / Lifestyle factors
- Sedentary lifestyle (low physical activity, deconditioning)
- Improper footwear (slippers, heels, shoes without support)
- Rushing or multitasking (especially when using stairs or uneven surfaces)
- Alcohol use
Q: What practical steps can residents take in their homes to reduce their risk of falling?
Improve safety inside the home:
- Keep walkways clear of clutter, cords, and loose rugs.
- Ensure good lighting in hallways, stairways, and entrances — use nightlights in bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Install grab bars in bathrooms (near toilets and tubs/showers).
- Add handrails on both sides of stairways.
- Use non-slip mats in the kitchen and bathroom.
Maintain mobility and strength:
- Stay physically active with exercises that improve balance, strength, and flexibility (like walking, tai chi, or light strength training).
- Wear supportive, non-slip footwear instead of socks, slippers, or heels.
- Have regular vision and hearing checks.
- Ask a healthcare provider to review medications that may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
Plan ahead:
- Keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid climbing or stretching.
- Use assistive devices (cane, walker) if recommended.
- Don’t rush — take your time when standing up or walking, especially if lightheaded.
Q: How important are physical activity and exercises in preventing falls, and can you recommend specific types?
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to prevent falls. It strengthens muscles, improves balance and coordination, increased flexibility, boosts confidence and supports overall health. Walking, swimming, stretching, strength training (light weight lifting and chair rises), and balance and stability training (tai chi) are effective at reducing falls. Exercise is most beneficial when it is regular (2-3x/week) and continued long term.
| | Fall Prevention Strategies for Daily Life | | |
At Lake Ridge Fellowship House, residents join Kathleen Wiley, evidence-based programs coordinator with Prince William Area Agency on Aging, in learning simple exercises that promote balance and reduce fall risks.
During the session, residents were introduced to additional evidence-based fall prevention programs offered by the Agency on Aging, including Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL), Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, and Bingocize, with brief demonstrations provided for each.
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Largo Landing Fellowship House hosted a Fall Prevention Seminar on September 10, led by Visiting Angels and Service Coordinator Gwen Pascal-Dubuisson.
Residents received helpful information, enjoyed snacks, and took home giveaways while learning ways to prevent falls.
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At Hunters Woods Fellowship House, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department presenter Wyleng Liew led an informative session where residents learned practical tips for reducing fall risks and identifying common hazards.
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The event also featured a resident-led Tai Chi demonstration to showcase balance exercises, while Resident Ms. Fulin J. (right) received her “File of Life” magnet and night light.
Be sure to read the Volunteer Profile above for some of Ms. Liew's top tips!
| | Photos from 65 Years of Fellowship Square | | |
From Top Left to Right, Residents and volunteers celebrate, and Dr. Scherzer, Founder of Fellowship Square, speaks at Lake Anne House opening.
Bottom Left to Right, Lake Ridge Fellowship House residents show off the Lake Ridge flag, and Dr. Scherzer breaks ground at Lake Anne House in Reston.
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