Coming of Age has a valuable partnership with Dr. Amy Walters at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences to bring the A Matter of Balance workshops to the Travis county community.

Workshops have been delivered virtually during the pandemic. Students who participate in this program volunteer more than double the hours required by the University of St. Augustine. 

As part of the geriatric physical therapy course, the students are required to complete 15 hours of “fieldwork” interacting with older adults in the community. Students not participating in A Matter of Balance complete other activities include attending exercise classes for older adults, assisting with boxing classes for individuals with Parkinson’s, attending support groups and health talks for older adults, and making cards for individuals in nursing homes. The goal is for the students to gain exposure to a diverse group of older adults and to gain knowledge of the resources available to help them in the community.

Twelve sixth trimester students from the University of St. Augustine participated in the A Matter of Balance program as part of their geriatric physical therapy coursework. The students attended a two day training session then worked in groups to support older adults in fall prevention workshops. The students lead discussions as well as exercise classes weekly. In their reflection papers the students commented on how much they enjoyed using their knowledge to help older adults to be safer in their homes and how much they enjoyed interacting with such a great group of people. In addition to providing a service to the community, the students hope to use the knowledge gained from participation in this program during their clinical rotations to help other older adults avoid falls.