Prevent a senior from falling: teach Matter of Balance

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A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls

General description of program

A Matter of Balance (MOB) acknowledges the risk of falling but emphasizes practical coping strategies to reduce this fear. These include:

• Promoting a view of falls and fear of falling as controllable

• Setting realistic goals for increasing activity

• Changing the environment to reduce fall risk factors

• Promoting exercise to increase strength and balance.

  The workshop is conducted over eight sessions, meeting weekly for two hours per session. Meetings are led by volunteer lay leaders called coaches. A Master Trainer is responsible for teaching the Matter of Balance curriculum to the coaches and providing them with guidance and support as they lead the Matter of Balance classes.

  Coach Job Description

  Criteria for Leadership

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

• Enthusiasm.

• Dependability.

• Willingness to lead a small group.

• Interest in working with older adults.

• Life experiences valued, with education or health care experience a plus.

• Ability to perform range of motion and low-level endurance exercises.

• Ability to carry up to 20 lbs.

  Training Expectations

• Attend eight hours of coach training and earn A Matter of Balance Certification.

• Attend 2.5 hours of facilitator training update annually.

• Agree to facilitate two Matter of Balance classes within one year of certification.

  Classroom Responsibilities

• Each class must be taught by teams of two coaches.

• Prepare for each class by reviewing the Matter of Balance manual and materials.

• Organize the classroom with supplies and refreshments.

• Present the class according to the directions, training and materials provided.

• Encourage interactive discussion about the concepts and skills presented.

• Demonstrate and coach the exercises outlined in the Matter of Balance Program.

• Monitor and connect with each participant.

• Promote socialization and a solution-oriented environment among the participants.

• Have fun!

  Confidentiality, Communication, & Record Keeping

• All participant information is confidential. Each coach will sign "A Pledge of Confidentiality".

• The Master Trainer will provide support and mentoring to each coach.

• Class site and emergency contact information will be provided to each coach.

• Coaches are required to report any injury, illness or concerns.

• Coaches are encouraged to record "Lessons Learned" and share feedback and ideas.