In 2004, the US reported 15,000 seniors died from falls, 1.85 million treated in emergency departments, 1.3 million treated and released and 473,000 hospitalized. One in three adults over age 65 falls each year and falls are a major cause of injury and death for older adults. In Stanislaus County, 81% of injuries for ages 60 and over were related to falls. Falling can cause injury and death, one-third to one-half of older adults achnowledge the fear of falls. Fear of falling is associated with depression, decreased mobility and social activity, increased frailty, and increased risk for falls as a result of deconditioning. A study completed in 2003 reported, fall prevention programs are effective at preventing falls.
A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels, since many older adults experience conerns about falling and restrict their activities. This program is designed to benefit community-dwelling older adults who are concerned about falls, have sustained a fall in the past and/or restricted activities because of concerns about falling and for those who are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength, and are age 60 or older, ambulatory and able to problem solve. The Matter of Balance class is a 8 week, two-hour session taught by trained volunteer lay leaders, called coaches instead of health care professionals. The sessions consist of group discussion, problem-solving, skill building, assertivenes training, sharing practical solutions, videotapes, and exercise training to help participants learn about ways to view falls and control their fear of falling, to set realistic goals for increasing activity, to change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and to promote exercise to increase strength and balance.
www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/fallcost.htm
Classes are starting soon! Call Today to join the upcoming classes!
209-523-2800
