Helping Nova Scotian Seniors Stay Healthy and Independent

Preventing and reducing falls by Nova Scotia seniors will go a long way toward keeping them healthy and independent. That is the focus of Falls Prevention Week, which ends Saturday, Nov. 29.

Twelve falls prevention coalitions across the province hosted events to educate organizations, communities and individuals about falls, and help prevent and reduce them.

But it is important to continue awareness programs throughout the year because one in three seniors fall every year, and it has a significant impact on seniors, their families and the health-care system.

"We are working with our community partners to help more Nova Scotia seniors be healthy and safe," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. "Given that the number of seniors in the province is expected to double by 2025, we need to ensure that seniors, and the organizations who serve them, are better able to prevent falls."

In March 2007, Health Promotion and Protection, in collaboration with many partners, released the seniors falls prevention strategy Preventing Fall Related Injuries Among Older Nova Scotians – A Strategic Framework. The goal is to help organizations, communities and individuals better address seniors' falls and, ultimately, to help seniors remain healthy and independent.

There are many factors to be considered in preventing falls, from making environments senior friendly to assessing medications to ensure they aren't increasing the risk of a fall. Strategies may also consider making sure the right equipment is being used, a senior has annual hearing and eye tests, wears the right footwear and eats nutritious foods.

Minister of Seniors Carolyn Bolivar-Getson knows how traumatic a fall can be. Last year, she fell outside her home, and spent several months recovering from her injuries.

"I know from my own experience how quickly, and without warning, a fall can happen. Dealing with injuries and the emotional effects is very difficult," said Ms. Bolivar-Geston. "Falls can be prevented and I urge everyone to look at ways to avoid them and help friends, families and clients, especially if they are seniors."

In 2008-09, as part of the senior's falls prevention strategy, Health Promotion and Protection invested $200,000 to help groups in the province better meet seniors needs. This included funding for the Community Links Preventing Falls Together initiative. The program supports developing regional falls prevention coalitions that work with seniors, caregivers, health professionals and others to address specific needs in their communities.

"Falls Prevention Week is really about bringing attention to a critical issue in our province but our work is ongoing," said Susan King, co-ordinator, Community Links Preventing Falls Together. "The coalitions, communities and government have a common goal to reduce falls and fall-related injuries. The work and volunteer contributions of coalition members and partners is invaluable, and is making our communities safer for people of all ages."

Health Promotion and Protection has also trained more than 100 health professionals, community organizations, and other falls prevention groups as part of a national effort to standardize falls prevention training and program development. Funding has also been provided to better connect district health authorities and help them share information, programs and resources.

The department is also working with Recreation Nova Scotia, Recreation Facilities Association of Nova Scotia and Community Links to develop an information resource to help make recreation programs and facilities safer and more accessible for seniors.

For more information about the senior's falls prevention strategy, visit www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/injuryprevention.html .