Monday, November 02, 2015
Elgin St Thomas Public Health
This November is the First Falls Prevention Month in Ontario
Older adults are being encouraged to take steps to reduce the risk of injury from a fall. That is why the Elgin Safety Team for Adults is participating in Ontario’s first Fall Prevention Month this November.
Falls are a serious issue for older adults. An estimated 1 in 3 older adults fall each year. In 2010, falls were responsible for most injury deaths in Ontario and generated $2.8 billion in costs to the provincial economy. In 2011, seniors made up 16% of the population in Elgin St. Thomas, and that proportion is increasing over time. From 2008 to 2012 the rates of emergency department visits and the rates of hospitalization due to falls in seniors were significantly higher than Ontario.
Falls can disable, cause mental distress and may result in a loss of independence. Grab bars are one environmental support that effectively reduces falls.
The Gift a Grab Bar is a program that assists Elgin low-income residents live safer at home. Gift a Grab Bar improves home safety and decreases fall risk by installing free bathroom grab bars. The Elgin Safety Team for Adults will provide a free grab bar (funded through United Way) and FREE installation, compliments of Yurek Pharmacy. Any Elgin resident that is not able to afford a grab bar is encouraged to access this program by calling 519-637-3003 ext 221.
Falls are preventable. This is good news. During Fall Prevention Month, the Elgin Safety Team for Adults is promoting the Gift a Grab Bar program.
Media Contact:
Rosemarie Vandenbrink, RN, Public Health Nurse
Elgin St Thomas Public Health
519-631-9900 ext 1267
rvandenbrink@elginhealth.on.ca
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