“A Matter of Balance” Program

“A Matter of Balance” is an award winning program (2006 Healthcare and Aging Award, American Society on Aging, 2006 Innovations and Achievements Award National Association of Area Agencies on Aging) designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls. Falls are a serious problem for older adults. The chances of falling and of being seriously injured in a fall increase with age. The rate of fall injuries for adults 65 and older was almost five times that for adults 50 to 64. The good news is that most falls are preventable.

Who should attend?

    The program is designed to benefit community-dwelling older adults who:

  • are concerned about falls
  • have sustained a fall in the past
  • restrict activities because of concerns about falling
  • are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength

Why is the “A Matter of Balance” Program so successful?

    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
  • promote exercise to increase strength and balance

Downloadable Documents [PDF]

A Matter of Balance Class Flyer
A Matter of Balance Information
Fall Prevention Brochure

Additional Fall Prevention Resources

Falls Prevention for Iowa (Iowa Department of Public Health)
Video on Evidence Based Fall Prevention Programs
Central Iowa Tai Chi and Yoga Classes
Fall Prevention Brochure
Resources for Mobility Interventions

Better Choices Better Health Program

Our program, formally known as CDSMP (Chronic Disease Self Management Program), is based on the widely successful Stanford University model for evidence-based self management of chronic conditions. It is a workshop of six (6) sessions where participants actively learn how to manage their health problems. The workshop leaders are trained staff or volunteers who may have chronic conditions themselves and can relate to the participants.

The Better Choices Better Health Program has been in existence for over 17 years and is used around the world. Iowa was first awarded a grant from the Administration on Aging to implement this program in 2008 and now has programs in many counties throughout Iowa. Iowa’s goal is to have workshops available to all residents of the state. A web-based model of the program has recently been rolled out in Iowa. For more information, please click here.

Who should attend?

Anyone with any chronic health problem can benefit from the program. Friends, caregivers or relatives who are involved with the participant would also benefit from the problem-solving skills related to managing a health condition and may also attend classes.

What does the program target?

  • Sleep problems
  • Difficult emotions
  • Pain management
  • Loss of energy
  • Feelings of being overwhelmed

What do those who complete the program report?

  • Better communication with doctors, dietitians or nurses
  • Reduced frustration
  • Less fatigue and tiredness
  • Accomplishing daily tasks more easily
  • Easier breathing
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Feeling in control of condition

Why is the Better Choices Better Health program so successful?

The participants learn healthy ways to live with chronic conditions, feel more in control of their health and have fun enjoying the class with others.

Downloadable Documents [PDF]

Better Choices Better Health Brochure
Better Choices Better Health Program Description