OTHELLO — There are few things more frightening to seniors than the possibility of a bad fall. Besides the obvious potential for serious injury, there’s a feeling of helplessness that comes with vulnerability to falling and a very real fear of being stranded and unable to get help. A free class called A Matter of Balance, starting in Othello today, can help.  

“It’s a program that is specifically designed to help older adults manage their concerns about falling and also to provide them with some guidance on how to set up their home so they are less likely to fall over things as well as how to get up from a fall, and also some exercises that help to strengthen an older adult to avoid falling,” said Kate Brueske, the facilitator for the Othello Senior Center’s Stay Active and Independent, or SAIL, program. 

The class is eight sessions, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday for four weeks, Brueske said. Each class will cover different topics, but people who can’t get to all of them are still encouraged to make it when they can, she added. 

“We address the fears. We practice assertiveness as it relates to falls,” said Erin Cass, who’s leading the classes. “We also do movement, we do balance exercise class, and we talk about home safety. I bring in an occupational therapist to show the group how to get up from a fall and also how to better utilize their assistive devices, such as a cane, walker, tracking poles, even hearing aids.” 

The psychological aspect of falling is more important than many people realize, Cass said. 

“The number one cause of falls is the fear of falling,” she said. “Many people reduce their activities, they think staying home and sitting in their chair is safer than going out and about. Also, their muscles break down, their confidence, their social connections, all of it. So, we think we're doing better by staying home, but really we're adding more risk.” 

The class is free of charge and no registration is required, Brueske said.  

The SAIL program also has regular exercise classes at the Othello Senior Center every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 to 11 a.m., Brueske said. 

“(The class) provides balance, training, stretching and aerobics to keep older people on the go,” Brueske said. 

A Matter of Balance will also be offered at the H.E. Gritman Senior Center in Ritzville from April 16 to May 9, Cass said. 

“It's really great for anyone who has the fear of falling, or who has fallen in the past and wants to regain some control,” she said. 

A Matter of Balance 

11 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Wednesday and Friday 

March 5-28 

Othello Senior Center 

755 N. Seventh Ave. 

Info: Erin Cass, 509-393-9113 or 

Kate Brueske, 509-750-2662