This issue’s Partner and Community Spotlight segment features Aleta Burnett, a retired respiratory therapist with an MBA. Burnett is an active volunteer at Generations, the Area 13 Agency on Aging located in Vincennes, Indiana. One of her favorite activities is teaching the Matter of Balance classes regularly held at various locations throughout the five counties Generations serves.
Burnett first heard of Matter of Balance in 2018 to learn about fall prevention. She participated in a Matter of Balance class at the local hospital, with trauma nurses as her teachers. According to these trauma nurses, the majority of the patients they see are from falls. Burnett enjoyed the class so much, she decided to participate in training to teach Matter of Balance classes and pass on her knowledge to new students to aid them in preventing falls.
Burnett describes a typical Matter of Balance class. The maximum number of students in a class is 15, so class sizes are small. They meet once a week for two hours spanning a total of eight weeks; however, some classes are accelerated, meeting twice a week for two hours spanning a total of four weeks. Typically, students engage in exercises, role-play activities, group discussions and problem solving. Each class includes a break with snacks provided by local businesses. Classes and materials are free for students.
Burnett says one of her favorite aspects about the class is the fellowship she experiences with students. She enjoys meeting like-minded people who provide input and new insights into preventing falls. Burnett says she always learns something new every Matter of Balance class, even when she is teaching. She also cites the exercises the classes participate in as a favorite part of Matter of Balance classes. These classes provide exercises to simulate real-life scenarios everybody deals with, such as retrieving objects from high places and walking up and down hills. These exercises are adaptable so everybody can engage in these activities. Some Matter of Balance classes also host guest speakers, such as local doctors, physical therapists and nurses.
Burnett affirms that Matter of Balance classes are beneficial for anybody who wants to learn how to avoid falls. Falls are preventable, and Matter of Balance classes teach participants the best strategies to avoid falling. She states that participants learn while enjoying fellowship during the classes.
If you would like more information about Matter of Balance classes, visit Generation’s website.
