A Matter of Balance

Chances are you know someone who has fallen or who is afraid of falling. A Matter of Balance is a proven program designed to help people manage concerns about falls and increase physical activity.  Cortland County Area Agency on Aging and RSVP are looking for volunteers to help provide this program.

A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls is conducted in 8 two-hour sessions and uses group discussion, problem–solving strategies, videos and gentle physical exercise. Older adults learn positive coping methods to reduce fear of falling and remain active and independent.

A Matter of Balance coaches help participants become more confident about managing falls by believing that they can increase their strength, find ways to reduce falls, and protect themselves if they do fall. In addition, participants report that they have increased the amount they exercise on a regular basis.

A Matter of Balance coaches need good communication and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, dependability and a willingness to lead small groups of older adults. Coaches also need to be able to lead low to moderate level exercise.

The required 8-hour training for interested volunteers will be held on March 19 & 20 from 8:30am-12:30pm at the County Office Building, Room 302.

If you would like more information on becoming a Matter of Balance Volunteer Coach, please contact Cindy Stout, A Matter of Balance Coordinator at  753-5057 or cstout@cortland-co.org.

A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls

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.

A Matter of Balance Lay Leader Model

Recognized for Innovation and Quality in Healthcare and Aging, 2006, American Society on Aging.

A Matter of Balance Lay Leader Model was developed by a grant from the Administration on Aging (#90AM2780).