Purpose

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health Trauma Program, falls are the most frequent cause of traumatic injury in Iowa, and account for approximately 70% of the state's incidents in 2016. Falls also account for the greatest proportion of unintentional trauma deaths in Iowa, having increased significantly from 2010 to 2016. Many older adults experience a fear of falling. People who develop this fear often limit their physical activity, which can result in weakness and increased risk for falling.

Introduction to Coach Training Program

This nationally recognized, evidence-based program is designed to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels among adults age 60 and older. The program utilizes the Matter of Balance Volunteer Lay Leader model to train certified leaders, called coaches, throughout the community. Coaches then go on to lead a structured group workshop that emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants from the community attend the workshop and learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

During this training, participants will complete 8 hours of training to become a certified Matter of Balance coach. Coaches will be provided with curriculum to utilize when leading their community workshops. Community workshops include eight two-hour sessions with a group of 8-12 participants. Coaches are expected to hold two workshops during their first year of certification and then one workshop per year during each year they would like to remain certified.

Agenda

Speakers

Margaret DeSio
Contracted Services Director, Aging Resources of Central Iowa
Master Trainer, A Matter of Balance Program

Janet Buls
Program Coordinator, Health and Wellness, Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging
Master Trainer, A Matter of Balance Program