A Matter of Balance
A Matter of Balance is a community-based, small-group (8-12 participants) program that helps older adults reduce their fear of falling and increase activity levels. It is a train the trainer program with Master Trainers training Coaches (lay leaders). Coaches work in pairs to lead small group community classes which consist of eight two-hour sessions. The behavior change curriculum addresses the fear of falling and engages the participant to view falls and the fear of falling as controllable. Exercises are introduced and performed in 6 of the 8 sessions. Participants are involved in group discussion, problem-solving, skill-building, assertiveness training, sharing practical solutions, and exercise training. Developing an action plan to address ongoing exercise, reducing risk factors and changing behaviors that contribute to risk factors supports ongoing efforts to reduce the fear of falling in participants. A Matter of Balance has shown a $938 saving according to a CMS evaluation. The savings were in the areas of unplanned admissions, Long term care and home health.
More information on research studies can be viewed here, and a program video can be viewed here.
A Matter of Balance from The PEAK TV on Vimeo.
Get in Touch
MainHealth's Partnership for Healthy Aging
110 Free Street
Portland, ME 04101
United States (US)
pfha@mainehealth.org
(207) 661-7120
What People are Saying
“Anyone can benefit from this class. Anyone. Young or old - take the class. You will learn from it!”
Program Details
Settings/Facilities
Any community setting
Duration
8 2-hr sessions over 4 or 8 weeks
Program Costs
$1,500 per person; recommend two staff attend if possible.
Fee for on-location training will be based on the number of staff trained and travel expenses.
Coach Training materials, handbooks $20, dvd set $165, participant handbooks $13; +$5/person/8-session workshop (refreshments & workbooks)
Costs Include
Outcomes
Increased falls efficacy, falls management, falls control, and exercise level, and decrease in self-reported falls. 97% of participants are more comfortable talking about fear of falling and feel comfortable increasing activity, 99% plan to continue exercising, 98% recommend the program.
Cost reductions in unplanned hospitalization, skilled nursing and home health, and a $938 decrease in total annual medical costs.
Materials
Participant workbooks, refreshments, guest Healthcare Professional Handbook, private room, and audio/visual equipment. Trainer materials are bundled with TA.
Staffing
Peers
Individual vs. Group
Small Group
Mode
In-person
Data Requirements
Standardized reporting forms
Languages
Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, English, Low Vision
