Press Release – Spring forward confidently with A Matter of Balance falls prevention classes
March 11, 2025
This spring, attend a FREE award-winning A Matter of Balance falls prevention class for adults aged 60 and older with Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW)! The evidence-based class helps adults who are concerned about falling stay active and independent, maintaining their safety while staying involved in activities they enjoy. Those who take this class will learn how to reduce their fear of falling and engage in more activities this spring and summer.
“Falls and the fear of falling can commonly impact the lives of older adults in a way that can lead to inactivity, isolation, depression, stress, and anxiety… But the good news is that ‘A Matter of Balance’ will help participants to increase activity levels, gain confidence, maintain independence and learn that most falls are preventable.” Philip Helean, Master Trainer, A Matter of Balance
Falling is NOT a normal part of aging, and yet many older adults regularly deal with falls, near falls, and losses of balance. In 2024, Spokane County had more than 11,000 fire department emergency calls for fall-related accidents, and the state Department of Health listed Spokane County as having the highest rate of fall-related deaths in the state.
Staying inactive at home can make people more prone to falls as they get weaker and don’t improve their balance, it can also lead to isolation and depression. It’s important to learn about strategies, techniques, exercises and mental coping skills to remain active.
An A Matter of Balance class consists of eight two-hour sessions for a group of participants led by two certified coaches. Several free classes are coming up this spring and summer in the Spokane region. Sessions include group conversation, problem solving, gentle physical exercise, and assertiveness training.
Join more than 1,000 older adults have completed an A Matter of Balance course since ALTCEW brought this class to the region in 2015!
What Participants are Saying
- “I am grateful this class is offered. This is a tremendous help to the community.”
- “I’ve become more aware of all my surroundings.”
- “I learned what I really needed for the future.”
- “I was amazed to learn how much feet & ankle strength & feeling contribute to balance.”
People who wish to learn more about A Matter of Balance can visit our website, https://www.altcew.org/a-matter-of-balance/. If you would like to attend a class, registration is required. Please complete our online class registration form, https://www.altcew.org/mob-registration/, or contact Philip Helean, A Matter of Balance Coordinator at (509) 777-1571 or Philip.helean@dshs.wa.gov.
