Adults are being encouraged to take steps to reduce the risk of injury from a fall. That’s why the Seniors’ Centre for Excellence is participating in Ontario’s first Fall Prevention Month this November.
Falls are a serious issue for older adults. An estimated one in three older adults fall each year. In 2010, falls were responsible for the most injury-related deaths in Ontario and cost the provincial economy $2.8 billion.
Falls can disable, cause mental distress, and may result in a loss of independence. In example, the centre offers Beth’s story:
It was a Friday evening and I went to the theatre. It was quite dark, a result of poor lighting. I did not notice the wheelchair ramp in the middle of the back row, and I tripped over it. We went to the emergency room and had an x-ray and found out my leg was broken. My daughter was ill at the time and was trying to help me. My commode had to be emptied every day and it was embarrassing to have my family and friends do this for me. I was used to doing everything for myself and having my independence. Falls can be painful, expensive, life changing and limiting. They happen in a split second and can change your lifestyle for the future.
The good News, state seniors centre officials, is that falls are preventable. During Fall Prevention Month, the Seniors’ Centre for Excellence is helping older adults to see their role in preventing falls.
“Each person can take simple and effective steps to prevent a fall; the challenge is to understand the risks, and then put risk prevention strategies into action.”
Speaker schedule
During November, the centre’s dining programs, which include lunch for $6 per person, will feature a vareity of speakers on the topic of fall prevention, participants are asked to call to register to ensure enough food is prepared for everyone.
– On Nov. 2 at 12 pm at Drayton Reformed Church, pharmacist Robin Brown will discuss the role medications can play in causing falls and common medications that can increase your falls risk;
– On Nov. 18 at 12pm at Palmerston United Church geriatric emergency management nurse (GEM) Lori Woestenenk will be discussing falls prevention, as well as sharing experiences in her role as a GEM Nurse at Palmerston District Hospital;
– On Nov. 20 at 12pm at the Clifford United Church Minto-Mapleton Family Health Team health promoter Sandy Turner will discuss falls prevention and share simple exercises that can reduce your risk of a fall;
– On Nov. 25 at 12pm at the Harriston Legion, Robin Smart from the Waterloo Wellington Alzheimer’s Society will talk about the relationship between falls risk and dementia; and
– On Nov. 26 at 12pm at Arthur United Church Pedorthis Bob Witte owner of Fit to Walk Orthotics Footwear, Fergus, will explain the importance of proper footwear in falls prevention.
Local walking groups are launching during the month of November, they take place in the communities of Drayton, Arthur, Harriston and Palmerston at their respective arenas. Exercise plays a key role in fall prevention and the community halls at these arenas offer the perfect venue for safe, indoor walking. Participants are asked to bring a pair of clean, indoor walking shoes. Every fitness level is welcome. Call the centre for specific details.
For more information about the centre for excellence, the walking groups, to register for dining programs, or to request to be added to the mailing list contact: seniors health services coordinator Helen Edwards, at 519-638-1000, hedwards@mapleton.ca or visit www.mapleton.ca.
