OT and PT students join forces with local partners to help older adults stay safe, active and connected through Wisconsin’s winter months.
When the Wisconsin winter sets in, icy sidewalks, freezing temperatures and limited mobility can make everyday life more challenging—especially for older adults. To help seniors prepare, Concordia University Wisconsin’s Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) students joined forces with local agencies to host a holistic senior fair focused on winter wellness on Oct. 21.
The event, held at Crossroads Presbyterian Church in Mequon, brought together Concordia students, faculty, and community partners to offer practical tools and education for preventing falls and promoting safety during the colder months.
“Fall prevention screenings are typically offered during September and only focus on basic fall screens,” said Dr. Mike McKinnis, Ph.D., MOT, OTR, associate professor of occupational therapy. “I wanted to create a holistic fall prevention event focused on winter weather. This would address the unique challenges of ice, snow, heating, and access to meals that older adults in Wisconsin face.”
Learning through service
The event allowed Concordia students to learn through hands-on community engagement—a key part of their health care education—while serving the public. OT students offered strategies for reducing fall risks, selecting proper footwear and ensuring home and community safety.
“This event offered the opportunity to partner with multiple community agencies to offer this holistic approach. It was a great time to connect with and serve older adults, as well as to build new relationships with our community partners,” said McKinnis.
Community partnerships that make a difference
The OT and PT departments extend their heartfelt thanks to the community partners who helped make this event possible:
- Crossroads Presbyterian Church—hosted the event.
- Dr. Kalloo, Aurora Health Care gerontologist—provided information on memory deficit screenings and osteoporosis education.
- Family Sharing of Ozaukee County— shared details about mobile and senior delivery food pantry services.
- Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Ozaukee County—offered resources on the Stepping On group fall prevention program, disability benefits, and other support services.
- Partners for Community Development—provided information on financial support for heating, housing, and other benefits.
- Southern Ozaukee Fire Department (Mequon/Thiensville)—shared home safety insights.
Faith in action
Through service, partnership and compassion, Concordia students are living out the university’s mission to prepare leaders who serve their communities. This collaborative event exemplifies how faith-based learning and professional preparation can make a tangible difference—one safe step at a time.
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
The School of Health Professions (SHP) offers a wide variety of accredited programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Our programs are provided in a variety of teaching formats (face-to-face, online, blended) and our curriculum emphasizes service to the community and inter-professional collaboration. Students are able to work with community members very early in their educational experience. Explore your options!