The program is designed to benefit community-dwelling older adults who are concerned about falls, have sustained a fall in the past, had to restrict activities because of the fear of falling, and are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength to increase their activity levels. It was coordinated by Master Trainers Ron Michael, director of the Texoma Area Agency on Aging, and Cheryl Brandon of the WNJ Senior Passport program. Also coaching the participants were Kim Swaim, occupational therapist, Celeste Larkins, physical therapist, and Debbie McFarling and Dora White, activity directors, all of Hilltop Haven.
Michael said, "A Matter of Balance is to help you be assertive about not falling, and taking action in your environment and where you plan to go."
Michael explains that the Matter of Balance program is based upon research conducted by the Roybal Center for Enhancement of Late-Life Function at Boston University. It was designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls. During the eight two-hour classes, participants learn to: view falls and fear of falling as controllable; set realistic goals for increasing activity; change their environment to reduce fall risk factors; and promote exercise to increase strength and balance.
The classes are planned for July and August at Park Manor Senior Living Community in Sherman, The Katy House in Denison, and the First Baptist Church in Whitesboro. Hilltop Haven will also be hosting more classes in the coming months. Michael says that they are hoping to hold even more classes in the region.
The program is free and open to anyone age 60 and older. Classes include an exercise program that improves circulation, strength, balance and flexibility. According to Michael, most participants want to continue the exercises after the sessions are completed because they are feeling better. Most participants felt like they were better prepared to avoid future falls and felt more confident and less fearful about falling.
Participants in the Hilltop Haven session were from the Howard Retirement Apartments at Hilltop Haven, as well as from the Gunter community. The group completed the class last week and, per Susan Vincent of Hilltop Haven, were pleased with the results.
"The series helped participants view falls and fear of falling as controllable and set realistic goals for increasing activity," said Vincent. "Cecil and Barbara Thomas said an important benefit for them was to increase awareness and change their environment to reduce the fall risk factors. Dorothy Neufeld indicated the program was more than she expected. The exercises have increased her strength and overall balance.
During class graduation, led by Brandon, each participant received a Certificate of Excellence presented to them by Michael. Hilltop Haven's team of therapists spoke, praising the senior adult graduates' proactive approach towards fall management. Each participant also received complimentary give-away bags from Christian Care Centers/Hilltop Haven, 211 Texas/Texoma Area, and WNJ.
For more information, call the Texoma Area Agency on Aging at 903-813-3505 or Vincent at Hilltop Haven, 903-433-2415, extension 245.