Free training offered to assist elderly

Posted by Press Release on February 26, 2015

The Chester County Health Department and Neighborhood Health Agencies Senior HealthLink are looking for individuals to become coaches in the Matter of Balance (MOB) program.

“A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls” is an eight-session program that uses group discussion, problem-solving strategies, videos and gentle physical exercise to help older adults learn positive coping methods to reduce fear of falling and remain active and independent, a county press release said.

MOB coaches help participants to become more confident, aware of their risks for falls, and increase their strength to minimize falls. Participants report that they have increased the amount they exercise on a regular basis. MOB coaches need good communication and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, dependability and a willingness to lead small groups of older adults. Coaches must also be able to lead low/moderate level exercise.

To become an MOB coach, you must:

Attend one 8-hour training session and earn a Matter of Balance certification
Attend 2.5 hours of facilitator training updated annually
Facilitate one MOB class within one year of certification

The free eight-hour training session will take place on Friday, March 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the North Hills Medical Building, 795 E. Marshall St., West Chester, Pa., 19380. Funding is provided by the Chester County Health Department and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the release said.

For more information or to register for the MOB Coach Training, call Katie Kuffner, Matter of Balance coordinator, at 610-344-5340. Registration is limited to 20 participants. For more information on the Matter of Balance program, visit http://mainehealth.org/MOB.