WBRC Outreach: Palo Alto VIST Meeting

Photo: Stock photograph of a Matter of Balance group discussion

Last Month WBRC was honored to be invited to present to the Palo Alto Visual Impairment Services Team Coordinator's monthly meeting at the Palo Alto Hospital Campus.  Mrs. Summer Beasley, MA COMS, WBRC Blind Rehabilitation Specialist and Matter of Balance Coach, presented to the group, consisting of the VIST Coordinator and Veterans with vision loss and their families and caregivers.  The WBRC's new Matter of Balance program was reviewed and the group participated in some of the Matter of Balance exercises.


In 2015 the WBRC piloted a new fall prevention program called Matter of Balance.  Matter of Balance is a nationwide, evidence based, fall prevention program for older adults.  It addresses the fear of falling, fall prevention measures, and simple exercises to promote health and balance.


The program was developed through research by the Roybal Center for Enhancement of Late-Life Function at Boston University.  Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls.


The WBRC's program is the first in the VA and the first Blind Rehabilitation Center to adopt this program.  It is also the only Matter of Balance program that is offered as inpatient treatment for Veterans with visual impairment.  The program runs for 4 weeks and is group based with up to six Veterans and up to three Matter of Balance Coaches.


Some Program Information:

• Matter of Balance group discussion classes take place twice per week.
• Veterans have the opportunity for one-on-one assessment and training options in additional skill areas such as Orientation and Mobility, Living Skills, and Visual Skills.
• Matter of Balance daily group exercise sessions start in week two.
• Additional group educational sessions occur on My HealtheVet and devices such as use of a reacher, etc.
• Matter of Balance group community outings provide the opportunity to apply newly learned skills.
• Veterans may also participate in regularly scheduled WBRC Recreation Therapy activities, as well as Student Forum and Relaxation Group.
• Access to Skills Nursing Care 24 hours per day.

Interested Veterans with vision loss apply to the program by talking to their Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator about being referred to this WBRC specialty program, or can contact the WBRC at (650) 614-9952 to learn about Matter of Balance or future session dates.


If you would like to see if there is a local Matter of Balance session meeting near you, use this link to look up Master Trainers by state: http://www.mainhealth.org/mh_body.cfm?id=5159


If you are aware of an event which would be a good opportunity for WBRC outreach or would like WBRC to come and speak to your group, please contact Lindsay Hass, WBRC Blind Rehabilitation Specialist and Communication Committee Co-Chair at Lindsay.hass@va.gov or call the main WBRC line at (650) 614-9952 to make a request.