A MATTER OF BALANCE

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 or twice weekly for two hours per session.
• Meetings are led by 2 trained coaches.
• A Guest Healthcare Professional visit to the community class.
• Hosted in a community setting.
• The program’s goal is to reduce fear of falling, stop the fear of falling cycle, and increase activity levels among community-dwelling older adults.

After successfully completing A Matter of Balance:

• 97% of participants are more comfortable talking about fear of falling
• 97% feel comfortable increasing activity
• 99% plan to continue exercising
• 98% would recommend MOB
• In 2013: Report to Congress by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services which evaluated Community-based Wellness and Prevention Programs. A Matter of Balance demonstrated a $938 savings with savings in the area of unplanned inpatient hospitalizations, skilled nursing facilities and home health.