A Matter of Balance Comes to Danforth

Soon after becoming an Aroostook Agency on Aging Access Point earlier in the year, Mary and Tara of Danforth Livable Communities jumped at the chance to train as coaches of A Matter of Balance program with Dottie Sines, a Master Trainer, through the agency.  Since learning about the fall prevention program several years ago during their University of Maine’s Center on Aging’s AmeriCorps service, Mary and Tara were excited to have the opportunity to bring AMOB to Danforth! 

Though Danforth is located in Washington County, Danforth Livable Communities serves a tri-county region which includes Southern Aroostook and Northeastern Penobscot counties- which falls under the province of two area agencies on aging (AAA’s), Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA) and Aroostook Agency on Aging (AAA).  Not only did Mary and Tara have to train as volunteers for both agencies but course participants had to be registered accordingly depending on their place of residence.  Tara worked with Judy Anderson of AAA and DeAnna Street of EAAA to figure the process out, as it was a unique situation for both agencies.  

The eight-week course, held at the Danforth Livable Community Center, began in July and ran weekly through the start of September- it was quickly filled with residents from both counties!  Participants learned to view falls as controllable, fall mitigation techniques, and exercises to increase strength and balance.   At the first class, attendees completed a pre-workshop survey and then asked to complete a post-workshop survey to compare their attitudes towards falls once the course was finished.  

What we learned- The program works!  Decreases of social isolation and the fear of falling and increases in attitudes about falling and its impact (including ability to improve physical health) were reported by those finishing the program.   Additionally, two-thirds to 100% of class completers described feeling more confident speaking with their health care team, family and friends about falling; more comfortable engaging in exercise; more satisfied with their lives; and would recommend AMOB.  Seventy-five percent of the attendees took two or more steps to reduce their risk of falling (i.e., talking to health professionals about medications, having their vision checked) and 87.5% made modifications to their home (i.e., grab bars, securing loose rugs).  Importantly, incidences of falling in the 3 months prior to the course compared to the number of falls occurring during the course declined 50%!

The team already has several folks interested in the next class in the spring.  If you are not familiar with AMOB, don’t hesitate to check it out and possibly host a course in your community! 

For more information, visit Maine Health or reach out to your Area Agency on Aging.