Fall Prevention at Meals on Wheels Diablo Region offers Fall Screening, Education, Evidence-Based Group Exercise Classes, and Home Safety Modifications services.
MOW Diablo Region serves all seniors aged 60 and older living in Contra Costa County, giving priority whenever possible to individuals in isolated, underserved, and lower-income communities.
All services are free to eligible seniors thanks to the generous support of foundations and individual donors, as well as government funding which MOW Diablo Region receives to support the community.
To refer a senior or apply for services, please click here.
WHAT WE DO
Fall Prevention Education
Throughout the year, our team provides Fall Prevention Awareness interactive presentations to community groups both large and small. These talks can also include our professional colleagues and partners interested in learning about how to lower senior fall risk and increase senior engagement in preventative activities such as evidence-based exercise.
Evidence-Based Exercise
Year-round, MOW Diablo Region Fall Prevention schedules evidence-based, fall prevention senior exercise programs to small groups in community settings:
A Matter of Balance
This is an evidence-based exercise program for older adults, designed to engage participants in completing exercises as well as interactive group discussion. Each week builds on information from the previous week, and participants will learn new strategies to help them achieve great results. Program goals focus on reducing the fear of falling, and increasing confidence, mobility, strength, and balance. The class can be taught in-person.
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In-person classes are held once a week for two hours each week, for 8 weeks.
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Participant workbooks and materials are provided.
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Group size for all classes is limited to 12. A minimum of 8 is required for a class to be scheduled.
If you would like to host an A Matter of Balance class at your location, please let us know! Whether for a group of friends at church, a community center, office, or other location, we can work with you to offer a class for your group. For more details and how to sign up, please contact the Fall Prevention Team by filling out this form.
Home Safety Modifications
For seniors across the county who are 60 or older, we provide free Home Safety Modifications to reduce preventable injuries and fall risks.
Seniors are provided with an in-home assessment to review the home environment with the senior and help determine what assistive devices and home adaptations are recommended to assure safety. Typical items: bathroom grab bars, toilet frames, bed bars, stair hand railings, and smoke alarms. Installation work in the home is then completed by one of our licensed, bonded Contractors.
Referred clients are contacted for follow-up within 3-5 business days of being referred. The average time for total service completion (which includes an in-home assessment and subsequent installation work by a licensed-bonded Contractor), may be up to 4-6 weeks. Please note we cannot provide ramp installations due to cost restrictions.
After the work has been done, we complete follow-up surveys by phone at 2 weeks and again at 90 days post services, to assure satisfaction with the installations and measure the impact of the service.
DON’T LET A FALL CHANGE YOUR LIFE
Falls are the leading reason seniors lose their independence. However, falls are preventable through exercise, medication management, eye exams, and home modifications. Use this guide to assess your risk, evaluate your home, and locate resources to make your home safer. Prevent a fall and maintain your independence.
Click here for our Fall Prevention Checklist and Resource Guide
Are you looking for a fulfilling volunteer opportunity? Meals on Wheels Diablo Region needs volunteer coaches for A Matter of Balance classes!
A Matter of Balance is a proven program designed to help older adults manage concerns about falls and promotes increased physical activity. Volunteer Coaches help participants become more confident about managing falls, help to identify ways to reduce falls and lead exercises to help increase strength and balance.
MOW Diablo Region offers free training to volunteers interested in becoming a Certified Coach and provides all the tools needed to lead a class.
- In-person classes are held twice a week for 4 weeks for 2 hours each, or once a week for 8 weeks for 2 hours each.
- Virtual classes are held over Zoom twice a week for 4.5 weeks for 2 hours each, or once a week for 9 weeks for 2 hours each.
What do you need to become a Coach?
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience and comfort with using Zoom, and devices such as a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer
- Enthusiasm, dependability, and a willingness to lead small groups of older adults
- Ability to lead low-to-moderate level exercises
- Complete a 12.5-hour Coach training certification program.
- 6 month commitment required.
For more information about Coach training, contact Tuyet Iaconis, Health and Wellness Manager, by filling out this form.