Preventing the most preventable injuries

In Canada, falls cause 65 per cent of all injuries to seniors. Falls can have serious consequences including loss of mobility, loss of independence or loss of life, yet falls are the most preventable injury.

In response to this issue, a group of volunteers and professionals throughout our area have established the Digby and Area Preventing Falls Coalition. This project is funded through the province’s Office of Health Promotion and Protection and coordinated by Community Links.

The coalition works with seniors educating them on how to prevent falls and also attempting to address issues that cause falls. Members of the Coalition are: Carol Welch and Wanda Christensen of Islands Super Seniors; Dawna Bell, a private home support caregiver; volunteer Charlotte Frankland; Norma Wagner of the Digby and Area Community Health Board; seniors’ safety program coordinator Dawn Thomas; Gail Winchester-Smith of Digby-Clare Home Support; and Carla Malay, coalition support and development.

They have launched a summer awareness project that focuses on businesses and buildings in our town and municipality where falls are common or probable. Members of the coalition will be available to meet with owners and staff. They are also willing to conduct a presentation on the impact and causes of falls to seniors and provide prevention strategies.

Further, they will leave a letter and check list so that property owners can become aware of potential hazards that cause falls and injury to the public. Simple alterations or repairs can maximize safety and ensure that risk to customers is reduced.

A questionnaire addresses issues inside and outside the business location. The questions look at areas such as parking spaces, pathways into buildings, handrails on stairs, room light and seating.

For more information about the Preventing Falls Together program or to get involved with the coalition, contact Dawn Thomas at 245-2579.