Welcome To Player Snips
Please watch the getting started video below before you begin using your new superpowers
Conduct all session activities according to the directions and support materials provided, so that a consistent experience is provided to all participants. Matter of Balance is an evidence-based program. It has been proven to work.
Promote active discussion of the concepts and skills presented in the program. Redirect discussion if it strays too far from the key points being taught.
Demonstrate all exercises. Provide verbal cueing to group participants as they learn exercise techniques. Encourage participants to exercise according to their own abilities.
To prepare yourself for an effective class:
- Carefully review each session and all support materials.
- Use the “Notes” space to personalize the program to your own coaching style.
- Prepare all necessary materials, such as flip charts in advance of the session.
Physical exercises are an important part of this program. You can help participants prepare for the program by suggesting they obtain physician clearance to participate in the exercises, as indicated. Individuals are encouraged to exercise according to their own ability.
Clarify any misunderstandings and answer questions raised by participants. Seek guidance on fidelity from the Matter of Balance Master Trainer who is there to support you.
Invite participants to examine their own experiences in light of the concepts and exercises presented in the program.
Reinforce participant responses; encourage each participant to contribute to discussions.
Observe participants as they learn; evaluate learning performance and coach as needed
Encourage conversation among participants during break time as well as before and after the sessions to help them get to know one another.
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Group discussions provide the opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and to learn from each other. Period. Whether in large or small groups, participants can do problem solving, seek clarification, and increase skills and self-awareness.
Group and individual exercises illustrate, expand, reinforce, and provide practice with the key concepts and skills. Role play helps to develop insights about a topic and provides practice in a skill discussed in class. The coaches may present the role play if the participants are uncomfortable with this activity.
Group exercises are conducted in sessions 3 through 8 to improve participants’ strength, flexibility, and endurance.
The coach provides information and examples and briefly explains the basic concepts being covered in the activity. The coach can use a flip chart or overheads and ask the participants to follow along in their workbooks to help promote group discussion.
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Coach Handbook Resources
A Matter of Balance uses 3 videos:
- Fear of Falling: A Matter of Balance This video empowers older adults to enhance or restore their quality of life by overcoming the fear of falling and taking active steps to reduce the risks of falls. This video is used in session one to introduce important program concepts and learning points.
- Exercise: It’s Never Too Late This video presents some of the common fears and misconceptions older adults have about exercising. This video is used to introduce the discussion on the benefits of exercise that is held during session three.
- Add GHP video here
The equipment and supplies needed for each session are listed on the overview page at the beginning of each session. Within the session, each activity will list the items needed to complete that activity.
A break is provided during each session. 10 minutes is usually enough time. Refreshments could include fruit, crackers and low fat, cheese, carrot or celery sticks, light popcorn, soy nuts, and water.
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Managing Concerns About Falls
This program is based on Fear of Falling: A Matter of Balance. Copyright© 1995 Trustees of Boston University. All rights reserved. Used and adapted by permission of Boston University.
Inquiries regarding the original program may be directed to Boston University, Health & Disability Research Institute, 53 Bay State Road, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215. A Matter of Balance was created with support from the National Institute on Aging.
A Matter of Balance Lay Leader Model was developed by a grant from the Administration on Aging (#90AM2780) for Southern Maine Agency on Aging, MaineHealth’s Partnership for Healthy Aging, Maine Medical Center Division of Geriatrics and the University of Southern Maine, School of Social Work. All rights reserved, MaineHealth’s Partnership for Healthy Aging.
Recognized for Innovation and Quality in Healthcare and Aging, 2006, American Society on Aging.
Working in partnership, Southern Maine Agency on Aging, MaineHealth’s Partnership for Healthy Aging, Maine Medical Center Division of Geriatrics and the University of Southern Maine, School of Social Work were awarded Administration on Aging Grant No. 90AM2780. The purpose of the grant is to develop, evaluate and disseminate a volunteer lay leader model for A Matter of Balance. All rights reserved, MaineHealth’s Partnership for Healthy Aging.
The Coach Handbook was adapted from the original Matter of Balance Manual for use by volunteer lay leaders. It contains all the activities, references and handouts necessary to coach the class.
For further information, please contact:
MaineHealth 110 Free Street
Portland, ME 04101
207-661-7120
Email: [email protected]
Master Trainer sites shall at all times during the use of this handbook, and thereafter, defend and hold MaineHealth’s Partnership for Healthy Aging, its trustees, officers, employees, agents and affiliates (together, “indemnitees”) harmless from and against all claims, suits, demands, liability and expenses, including legal expenses and reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising out of any negligent act or omission of the Master Trainer site pursuant to the use of this material.
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Meeting Room Set-Up
The class requires space for group discussion at all sessions and space for exercising during sessions 3-8.The discussion space can be set up in a “U” shape with the coaches at the front of the room. A table is needed at the front of the room for the supplies and the audiovisual equipment. Or, participants can be grouped around smaller tables with the coaches at the front.
The exercise area should be an open space that allows each participant enough room to stand, arms spread apart, without touching another group member. Smaller groups can exercise in a circle. Larger groups may form
rows. Space must be allowed for chairs and assistive devices, as needed.
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Preparing for Sessions
To prepare for each session:
Make sure you have all the necessary materials.
Read the entire session in the Coach Handbook and be
familiar with the references, the participant handouts
and materials.
Prepare name tags.
Make sure the room is set up for the class.
Check to see that the video equipment is available and working for sessions 1 and 3.
Prepare examples and personal anecdotes to show how
concepts taught in the session may have been reflected
in your own experiences. Make a note of them in your
handbook.
Prepare a simple snack for participants.
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Healthcare Connection
The Master trainer will schedule a healthcare professional (such as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or registered nurse) to visit a MOB session for one hour to provide information and answer questions for participants. The visit can take place during session 4 through 7, based on the visitor’s availability
The Guest Healthcare Professional Handbook provides the talking points that the visitor will cover during their visit, information about A Matter of Balance, and a sample of questions frequently asked by participants. The Master Trainer will provide the Guest Healthcare Professional with a copy of the Handbook to help them prepare before the visit to the class.