HOULTON, Maine — As a senior citizen, are you ever afraid of falling? Did you know you can take a course to improve your balance, discuss tips to prevent falling, and also explore fall prevention techniques?
This past April, a growing program came to a close as the spring session of Matter of Balance graduated a class of students. Joe Fagnant, director of Houlton Hodgdon Adult and Community Education, presented a certificate of completion to each participant.
“We are so lucky to have Bonnie Pratt coordinate this program”, stated Fagnant. “Her love of this course and the knowledge, energy, and expertise she brings to her students is so valuable.”
A Matter of Balance is a research based course that provides the opportunity for learners of all ages to improve their knowledge of how not to fall. It is part of the ACES program, Adult and Community Education for Seniors.
Pratt said, “This group did not want the classes to end. I did not know any of these people on my list. They came in as each other’s friends and left as my friends. I learned from my students in the group. They certainly were enthusiastic participants. A notable improvement in these ladies was undeniable.”
Pratt has been teaching the course now in several area locations and is a valuable resources for the region. She also stated, “Don, an 89-year-old friend of mine from Colorado and an Oakfield native, of whom I correspond with wrote to me one day. He said, ‘Your balance class sounds like a great idea and service. I am fortunate I don’t need a cane or walker yet. Every time I go to the doctor the nurse asks if I have fallen lately. I always say, No.’”
Pratt was impressed with the determination in her latest class. One lady even came to class on the bus or took a taxi, not wanting to miss a session. Pratt also received assistance from some volunteers. Gisela Blake, coach helper, is no stranger to people. She worked at Houlton Regional Hospital. Her knowledge expertise and, working one on one with students was valuable and contributed to the success of the class.
Pratt added that it was fortunate to also have another active nurse take this class. Julie Chapla was looked upon to add her own take on the course as the health care professional in this group. Chapla and Pratt also role played an actual fall, emphasizing that we need to understand how to prevent falls. They made the class hold their breath during the reenactment.
Anyone interested in participating in the next available Matter of Balance groups may call Patti Sloat at the HHHACE office at 521-3100 Ext. 5 or email patricia.sloat@rsu29.org to be put on a waiting list. You may also stop by during office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Houlton Higher Education Center to ask about classes and courses that will be taking place throughout the year.
