PITTSFIELD, Mass. - The Pittsfield Health Department has worked with Elder Services of Berkshire County to bring back A Matter of Balance program. This program was designed by Maine Health to help people with a fear of falling and what they can do to lessen the risk.

What You Need To Know

  • A Matter of Balance program helps people with fears of falling

  • The program helps people get rid of potential hazards

  • This program is free

  • It's a four-week course

“After they’ve completed the course, they have a binder to refer back to," said Isaac Share, the home and community-based programs supervisor of Elder Services of Berkshire County. "And it’s like I said, [it's] not a strength training. People aren’t doing pushups or jumping jacks or anything like that. It's more about learning about a safe transfer or safety in the home, what objects may or may not be safe to have on the floor."

Part of this course started out with strength training exercises. This is where attendees work to strengthen their core which should help them get out of bed or chairs a little easier.

“The exercises have really helped my balance, amazing," said Mary McDarby. "I’m not one that likes exercising by myself. And, you know, I thought I could do everything heal myself and all that, but you really can’t you really need professional help and guidance and the proper way of sitting, standing, and breathing and all that."

It’s not only exercises but people learn how to fall safer if a fall is inevitable. People also learn what you can add to the home to help, like certain types of grab bars, as well as how to get rid of potential hazards.

“We learned about things we can do at home," Maureen Russo said after attending the class. "So I’ve made some changes, I’ve moved things off of high shelves so that I don’t have to climb on step stools anymore if I’m in the kitchen. I learned that I should have a rubber mat in front of the kitchen sink because when I slap water around doing dishes I’m not risking slipping and falling."

This program is free for people who want to sign up. 

It’s a four-week course taking place twice a week.

For more information on attending the program, you can call Elder Services of Berkshire County at 413-499-0524 to find a class now or get on the waitlist.