Do you have concerns about falling or know somebody who does?
BHB offers a program called
"A Matter of Balance" which can help reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels in older adults.
What do participants learn?
- View falls and fear of falling as controllable
- Set realistic goals for increasing activity
- Change their environment to reduce fall risk factors
- Promote exercise to increase strength and balance
Who should take this class? Older adults who:are concerned about fallshave sustained a fall in the pastrestrict activities because of concerns about fallingare interested in improving flexibility, balance and strengthare age 60 or older, ambulatory and able to problem solve.
What does the class entail? Participants attend 8 two hour classes lead by certified coachesClasses are held with a group of no more than 12 older adultsSessions include group discussion, problem solving, confidence building, home safety assessment, and a low impact 30 minute exercise component.
What is the cost? A Matter of Balance is a FREE program
Where is the class held? The program is held in a variety of locations such as churches, senior centers, recreation centers, and senior housing.Want to be involved with the class in other ways?You can help lead A Matter of Balance as a coach! Coach teams consist of two people willing to lead a total of 16 hours of class.
How do I sign up or get more information? Call the Bethlehem Health Bureau at 610.997.3562 or email crichan@bethlehem-pa.gov A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls Volunteer Lay Leader Model ©2006.This program is based on Fear of Falling: A Matter of Balance. Copyright ©1995 Trustees of Boston University. All rights reserved. Used and adapted by permission of Boston University.