A Matter of Balance

A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based fall reduction program. This program and its curriculum were originally designed by physical therapists who worked with older adults that had a fear of falling. Over time the curriculum was developed into a lay-leader model which enables recruitment, training and implementation of the program at various sites across the counties with help from volunteers. In 2009, the program was started in Clay County and has grown exponentially since. Class sizes and the frequency of offerings are growing. Growing interest in becoming a certified coach has enabled the program to offer more classes simultaneously across Clay and Platte counties.

Overall, the program works to reduce the fear of falling, which limits activity and starts a vicious cycle of isolation, inactivity and additional falls. The program also addresses all of the modifiable risks for falling and works to reduce those risks.

Many of the participants establish relationships with their fellow classmates, learn of other resources available to them, and often enroll in an on-going exercise program upon completion of the eight sessions of A Matter of Balance. Pre- and post-tests, along with a class evaluation, are utilized to maintain evidence of the program.

The goals of the program are to help participants learn how to view falls and the fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals for increasing activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

After completing the program, 97% of participants are more comfortable in talking about falls, 95% have made environmental changes, and 99.5% plan to continue exercising.

The program accomplished the following among participants:
97% are more comfortable in talking about falls
95% have made environmental changes
98.5% feel more comfortable about increasing activity
99.5% plan to continue exercising
99.5% would recommend the class