Matter of Balance is specifically designed to reduce the fear of falling and improve activity levels among community-dwelling older adults. The program includes eight two-hour classes presented to a small group of 8-12 participants led by trained coaches. The program enables participants to reduce the fear of falling by learning to view falls as controllable, setting goals for increasing activity levels, making small changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

The curriculum includes group discussions, mutual problem solving, role-play activities, exercise training, assertiveness training, and a few homework assignments.

During this 8- week program, Participants learn about the importance of exercise in preventing falls and practice exercises to improve strength, coordination, and balance. Participants also conduct a home safety evaluation and learn to get up and down safely. Class size is between 8-12 participants.

Additional topics include home safety, assertiveness, developing positive strategies for change, reducing barriers to exercise, identifying physical risk factors for falls, personal action planners, recognizing misconceptions about falls, and moving from self-defeating to self-motivating thoughts.

To register for our next Matter of Balance class, email chernandez@elfr.org.

Health Buddies help adults living with chronic conditions improve their health through comforting, informative phone calls. 

Health Buddies help reduce preventable hospital readmissions for individuals living with chronic conditions through telephone interventions that empower them to self-manage their health. Volunteers are trained to provide support to help clients live independently, with dignity.

Health Buddies serve Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas County at no charge to clients. 

Email Aria Garling at HealthBuddies@seniorsinservice.org or call (813) 492-8931 for more information.