Press Release
“April Falls Day” may be a witty play on words, but falling is a serious matter.
One-third of people over age 65 have a fall each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury among older people.
Most falls are predictable and often can be prevented with prevention measures.
As a result, the North West LHIN-Wide Falls Prevention Coalition has launched a Falls Prevention Awareness Campaign, which will run through the month of April and focus on communicating to seniors, their families, and caregivers.
As members of the North West LHIN-Wide Falls Prevention Coalition, Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. will be participating in the campaign.
Posters will be placed throughout the community focusing on seven areas of prevention to educate people about how the following components play a role in preventing falls:
•trip hazards;
•being active to maintain balance, strength, and flexibility;
•good vision;
•good nutrition;
•prescription medications;
•footwear; and
•past fall(s)
“The North West LHIN-Wide Falls Injury Prevention Project has the potential to benefit many people across the region through awareness of how to prevent falls,” said Laura Kokocinski, senior director of Planning, Integration and Community Engagement with the North West LHIN.
“In 2006-07, hospitals in the North West LHIN had 2,256 emergency room visits due to falls-related injuries,” she noted.
“This collaborative initiative is expected to reduce these numbers, as well as hospitalization and admissions to long-term care that result from a fall-injury, supporting seniors to age safely in their own homes.”
Falls represent a considerable financial burden on the health care system. According to the Report on Seniors Falls in Canada, a 20 percent reduction in falls would result in a national savings of $138 million annually (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2005).
“SJCG is pleased to be hosting this LHIN-Wide Falls Prevention Project over the next two years,” said SJCG president and CEO Tracy Buckler.
“Although we know that all falls can’t be prevented, the good news is that seniors can significantly reduce their risk of falling.
“This awareness campaign will provide seniors with information and practical tips they need,” Buckler noted.
The campaign is part of the North West LHIN-Wide Falls Prevention Project bringing together health care organizations to develop a comprehensive, community-based approach to reducing seniors’ falls and injuries.
Organizations from across the region are partnering on this initiative. Each partner will host their own falls awareness campaign within their organizations and their communities throughout the month of April.
More information on fall prevention can be found at www.fallsprevention.ca
