West Roxbury, MA (October 30, 2007) – Chances are you know someone, who has fallen or who is afraid of falling. For this reason, Ethos is planning to offer a proven program called “A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls” designed to help people manage concerns about falls and increase physical activity as part of its AgeWell West Roxbury pilot project. However, Ethos is in need of volunteers to become coaches to assist with the implementation of this program in West Roxbury.
“A Matter of Balance” (MOB) coaches help participants become more confident about managing falls by believing that they can increase their strength, find ways to reduce falls, and protect themselves if they do fall. In addition, participants report that they have increased the amount they exercise on a regular basis.
Ideal MOB coaches must have good communication and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, dependability and a willingness to lead small groups of older adults. Coaches can be an adult of any age but will need to be able to lead low-to-moderate level exercise. To get certified as an MOB Coach, volunteers will have to attend 2 four-hour trainings that will be held on November 29th and December 6th from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the West Roxbury YMCA, 15 Bellevue Street, (at March Ave), West Roxbury, MA 02132. Registration is required.
An information session to learn more about becoming a Matter of Balance coach will be held on November 15th from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m at the West Roxbury YMCA. Refreshments will be provided. In the meantime, if you would like to register to become a coach or find out more info about our Fall Prevention program, please contact AgeWell Coordinator Daphne Price at (617) 522-6700 ext. 338.