Do you know someone who has fallen or is afraid of falling?
Would you like to help people manage their concerns about falls and increase their physical activity?
The District 7 Regional Agency on Aging (AAA7) is looking for Community Coaches to help facilitate their Falls Management Program titled Matter of Balance.
Volunteer coaches will continue to support classes in their individual communities after completing training through AAA7. An upcoming coach training will be held in Pike County for those interested in becoming a volunteer coach in their community.
Matters of Balance focuses on practical strategies for dealing with falls. Course participants learn to view falls as controllable, set goals to increase activity, make changes to reduce the risk of falls at home, and exercise to increase strength.
Coaches for Matter of Balance help participants become more confident in managing falls and help participants identify ways to reduce falls. Additionally, coaches lead drills to help participants increase their strength and balance.
Coaches must have good communication and interpersonal skills; demonstrate enthusiasm, reliability and a willingness to lead small groups of seniors; and have the ability to lead low to moderate level drills.
Once trained, coaches can schedule their classes twice a week for four weeks or once a week for eight weeks. Classes last two hours each.
The next Volunteer Coach Training will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18 at the Community Action Transit System (CATS), 508 Howard Street, Waverly. Participants will receive help with organizing lessons and support materials.
Anyone interested in A Matter of Balance, whether as a participant or volunteer workshop leader, should contact the local District 7 Aging Agency at 1-800-582-7277 and ask for Carla Cox (ext. 284 ). Pre-registration before May 11 mandatory.
Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. provides services on a non-discriminatory basis. These services are available to help seniors and people with disabilities live safely and independently in their own homes through services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, other federal and state resources, as well as private payments.
The AAA7 Resource Center is also available to anyone in the community looking for information or assistance with long-term care options.
Available 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, the Resource Center is a valuable contact to learn more about options and available programs and services for assistance.
Those interested in learning more can call toll-free at 1-800-582-7277 (TTY: 711).
People can speak directly with a specially trained resource specialist who will help them with information about the programs and services that are available to best meet their needs.
The agency also offers an in-home assessment at no charge for those who wish to learn more. Information is also available at www.aaa7.org, or the agency can be contacted by email at info@aaa7.org.
The agency also has a Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/AreaAgencyOnAgingDistrict7.
Nina R. Keller is executive director of the District 7 Regional Agency on Aging.
