A Matter of Balance was developed by Boston University and MaineHealth Partnership for Healthy Aging and is offered in 38 states across the U.S. During eight 2-hour sessions, participants learn to set realistic goals to increase physical activity and change the home environment to reduce fall risk factors. According to the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, MOB participation is associated with a $938 decrease in total medical costs per year per participant.
The UTC School of Nursing/PACT4 and the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department received a grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga to help bring the MOB Master Trainer Training to Chattanooga.
Additional financial support was provided by the UTC School of Nursing, PACT4, HRSA Grant and the Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability.
Master Trainers will receive a nationally recognized license to facilitate coach trainings and oversee participant programs. After a competitive application process, twenty professionals representing healthcare, social services, higher education, local government, wellness and other sectors have been chosen to participate in this March training. They will help expand the program through the greater-Chattanooga-Hamilton County area, nine surrounding counties and into northwest Georgia. Two applicants with the UT Medical Center in Knoxville will implement the program in Knox and surrounding counties.
A Matter of Balance Master Trainer candidates represent the following agencies:
Behold Senior Activity Center
CHI Memorial
City of Chattanooga Youth and Family Development Department
Erlanger Health System
Life Care Centers of America
National Family Caregiver Support Program
Partnership for Families, Children and Adults – Elder Services
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
Southeast TN Area Agency on Aging and Disability
Southside/Dodson Avenue Community Health Centers
Time for Tai Ji LLC
UTC, Occupational Therapy Department
UTC, Physical Therapy Department
UTC, School of Nursing
University of TN Medical Center
YMCA of Metro Chattanooga
A Matter of Balance participant programs would be offered in:
Senior centers
Community centers
Senior living facilities
YMCA
Local health departments
Faith based organizations
For more information about A Matter of Balance and to subscribe to the mailing list, visit: http://fallpreventionchattanooga.com/a-matter-of-balance/.