“A Matter of Balance” is a structured group, which helps participants manage the risks associated with falling. The program was specifically designed to reduce the fear of falling and improve activity levels among community-dwelling older adults. It was developed, implemented, and tested under the auspices of the Boston University (BU) Roybal Center for Research in Applied Gerontology.

“A Matter of Balance” has been shown to be effective through an extensive clinical trial funded by the National Institute of Aging (NIA) and administered by the Boston University Roybal Center for the Enhancement of Late-Life Function (BURCELF). The program has been recognized by the American Public Health Association with the Archstone Foundation Award for Excellence in Program Innovation.

“A Matter of Balance” acknowledges the risk of falling, but emphasizes practical coping strategies to reduce the sequence caused by the fear of falling. It is a structured group intervention consisting of 9 two-hour sessions. A variety of activities address physical, social, and cognitive factors that affect the fear of falling. Early sessions focus on changing attitudes and self-efficacy before attempting changes in actual behavior. The program aims to instill adaptive beliefs such as greater perceived control, greater confidence in ones abilities, and more realistic assessment of failures.

Program Techniques

Facilitators will use videotape, lecture, group discussion, role-playing, exercise training, assertiveness training, home assignments, and much more. Participants are taught how to identify potential fall risks, given real life suggestions for how to safely continue with active lifestyles, and how to build a greater sense of self-confidence. Implementing these new skills will increase quality of life. Classes are given in a social setting, and are a lot of fun. Participants can expect to make some great friends along the way.

Instructors in Your Area

Facilitators are available throughout the greater metropolitan Omaha area. All F1RST, “A Matter of Balance” facilitators have been trained by Elizabeth Walker Peterson MPH, OTR/L, Clinical Associate Professor, University Of Illinois at Chicago. Peterson served as the Co-Investigator of the BU Roybal Center trial. In her role she lead development (writing) of the intervention and program during the study. She now travels around the world giving “Matter of Balance” training workshops, and continues as a full-time faculty member in the Occupational Therapy Department at UIC, as well. Ms. Peterson is a doctoral student within the Neurotec Division of the Karolinska Institutet (KI), Stolkholm, Sweden. Her doctoral work will also include qualitative research exploring dimensions of fear of falling.

Individuals can find class locations, schedules, and registration information by calling F1RST at the National Safety Council, Greater Omaha Chapter, 896-0454, or via our website at www.F1RST.org

Your Organization Can Sponsor Classes

F1RST is seeking senior centers, senior residences, faith communities, health-care centers, and other organizations with senior populations, who are interested in classes in their facility. Please call to make arrangements.

You Will be Part of an Important Community Initiative

Enrolling in a class, or helping to arrange a class will make you a part of a large community effort to reduce falls among our older adults. Our goal is to develop partnerships all across the community, working together to increase quality of life and health for seniors.

Interested in a Presentation?

Facilitators are available to present a short overview of the workshop. Please call with your request.

F1RST provides help to our community and encourages others to participate in this important initiative. It will take a strong effort across our entire community, and we are up to the challenges. Join us today, as we strive to be successful in this endeavor.

Another great way to reduce the fear of falling is by subscribing to a personal emergency response systems. These links are provided for information only and are not an endorsement of any particular program or service listed. Locally you can find out more information from: