Cornerstone seeking volunteer 'fall' coaches to help seniors

ROCHESTER - Cornerstone VNA is looking for volunteers to join their 'A Matter of Balance' program as a volunteer coach. This important program is designed to help people in the community manage concerns about falls and increase physical activity.

The next volunteer coaches training will take place on Nov. 1 and 3 from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the Cornerstone VNA office on 178 Farmington Road in Rochester. No previous experience is needed to become a volunteer coach. Once trained, volunteer balance coaches will be assigned in pairs to facilitate community programs. These programs take place over a 4-week period, with participants meeting two times a week for two hours each session. Volunteers are asked to facilitate at least two 'A Matter of Balance' programs per year.

During these sessions, volunteer balance coaches help participants become more confident about managing falls, identify ways to reduce falls, and lead exercises to help increase strength and balance. According to Tina Trevino, Cornerstone VNA Volunteer Balance Coach, "As participants opened up to each other and shared their concerns of falling they seemed to bond and even laugh and have a good time. I hope they continue to get together!"

If you are interested in joining this important volunteer team, please contact Katie Michaud, MS, OTR/L at kmichaud@cornerstonevna.org or 603-332-1133 x1186. You can also find additional details at www.cornerstonevna.org/volunteer/.