A MATTER OF BALANCE – Volunteer Lay Leader Model – Course Syllabus
8 two hour sessions, twice a week for 4 consecutive weeks – 16 hour course total
Session 1: Introduction to Program
• The focus is on “Concern vs. Fear”. The group is introduced to the concept of helpful and unhelpful beliefs about falls and concerns about falling
Session 2: Exploring Thoughts and Concerns about Falling
• To learn that there are different ways to think about falls and concerns about falls
• To realize the importance of recognizing our core beliefs about falls before we are able to change them. Emphasis is on not whether or not I can do it, but HOW can I do it?
Session 3: Exercise and Falls Prevention
• To understand the importance of exercise in preventing falls
• To identify the barriers to exercise
• To identify which exercise are best suited for falls prevention
• To learn the A Matter of Balance exercises
Session 4: Assertiveness and Falls Prevention
• To recognize three important physical risk factors for falls: low blood pressure, leg weakness, and poor flexibility/balance
• To understand exercises that can be used to prevent falls due to low blood pressure, leg weakness, and poor flexibility/balance
• To recognize the relationship between assertive behavior and falls prevention
Session 5: Managing Concerns about Falling
• To learn how to use Personal Action Planners to start an exercise program
• To learn about balance exercises that can be used as part of an individualized exercise program
• To recognize misconception and unhelpful thoughts about falling and the effect those thoughts have on feelings and actions
• To learn how to shift from self-defeating to self-motivating thoughts
Session 6: Recognizing Fall-ty Behavior
• To determine which activities are and are not fall risk-taking behaviors
• To prioritize risk-taking behaviors to be addressed and changed
• To identify thoughts that help to change behavior
• To learn ways to shift from negative to positive or helpful thinking
Session 7: Recognizing Fall Hazards in the Home and Community
• Participants complete the Home Safety Checklist
• To recognize potential fall hazards often present in the home and community
• To identify strategies to reduce physical hazards in the home and community
• To recognize the relationship between assertive behavior and falls prevention
• To learn how to get and down safely from a fall
Session 8: Practicing No Fall-ty Habits & Falls Prevention: Putting it All Together
• To practice assertiveness skills in locating and using resources for falls prevention and seeking help after a fall
• To model & practice behaviors in order to eliminate risk-taking behaviors