Preventing Falls Together

Churches, synagogues or mosques are the places where seniors most often fall outside their home. But that doesn't mean seniors should stay at home for fear of falling at their place of worship.

Preventing Falls Together, a program of Nova Scotia Community Links, has developed a package of information for clergy and their congregations to raise awareness of falls among seniors in places of worship.

For the second year the message will be: most falls by seniors can be prevented.

"I think the timing of the campaign is right," said Carol McAllister, co-ordinator, Preventing Falls Together. "Seniors are heading to churches and synagogues and other places of worship as they usually do, but this is the season for slips and falls with wet leaves still on the ground, and ice and snow not far off."

Through the project places of worship receive a copy of the Fall Proof Your Place of Worship checklist as well as copies of an information sheet.

"All the basic information they needed to raise awareness, and implement some tangible falls prevention strategies are in the package, and most of the suggestions come with little or no cost and can help all members of a congregation, not just seniors," said Ms. McAllister.

Falls are the most preventable health risk to an older person's health and well being. As many seniors - both active and frail – are dedicated members of their congregations, it makes sense to target places of worship.

She said the response has been excellent, with many places of worship taking immediate action including: painting the edge of steps to increase visibility, installing railings on both sides of exterior and interior stairs, replacing worn mats with secure rubber-backed mats, clearing clutter from public areas, improving lighting, filling potholes in parking lots and creating reserved parking closer to entrances for seniors.

Funding for the project comes from ongoing support from the Department of Health Promotion and Protection.

"Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in Nova Scotia, costing the economy more than $160 million each year in direct and indirect costs," said Julian Young, co-ordinator of injury prevention and control for the Department of Health Promotion and Protection. "Many people can also relate to the human cost of a serious fall, when the life of a senior they know may change drastically after their injury."

"The places of worship initiative is a perfect example of how a small investment of time, money and people resources can potentially have a significant impact on awareness," he said.

For more information on Preventing Falls Together and the places of worship project, see the website at www.preventingfallstogether.ca .