A Matter of Balance
A Matter of Balance is a free eight-week structured group intervention that emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
How It Works
In partnership with Land of Sky Regional Council Area Agency on Aging Region B, participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
Activities include group discussion, problem solving, skill building, assertiveness training, shared practical solutions and cognitive restructuring to shift from negative to positive thought patterns.
There are no medical qualifications to participate in the program. It is especially beneficial for older adults living with a chronic condition such as arthritis or who are at increased risk for falling.
Physical therapists have found referring patients as either a pre-habilitation or rehabilitation intervention increases recovery time over those who live a sedentary lifestyle.
Program Goals and Health Benefits
- View falls and fear of falling as controllable
- Set realistic goals for increasing activity
- Change participants’ environment to reduce falls risk factors
- Increase strength and balance through exercise
Program Details
Small group classes of 8-12 participants meet for eight sessions, meeting weekly or twice weekly for two hours per session. Program components and activities include:
- Group discussion and problem solving
- Skill building and assertiveness training
- Exercise training
- Sharing practical solutions
- Cognitive restructuring – learning to shift from negative to positive thinking patterns or thinking about something in a different way.
Making an Impact
"I had fallen and became afraid to go out after dark. I gained weight and became depressed and lonely. This program got me out of my shell and helped me overcome my fear of falling and now I exercise 3 days a week and have lost all the weight I gained!"
"After my knee replacement surgery, I felt very unsteady on my feet and reduced my activity. A Matter of Balance jump started me back to wellness."
Contact
For more information and to sign up, email Stephanie Stewart or call 828 251 6622.
