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By involving your community!
Most people aren't aware of some of the easy steps that can be taken
to protect them against falls. You can help by encouraging your local
community groups, social clubs, Legion and municipality to get involved
in educational and program activities regarding falls prevention. You
can even start your own group in the neighbourhood!
Working with friends or a local organization, you can increase the awareness
of seniors, veterans and the community at large about the dangers and
solutions with respect to falls. You know your own community best so you
may have your own ideas on how to get the local groups involved. The following
can help you get started:
- Provide available written materials on injury prevention (see
Resources, Fact Sheet No.7) to your
community resource centre, to Legion halls, lodges and other places
where seniors congregate.
- Showcase these materials in a visible public space;
also ask your municipality, library or local shopping centre to display
them.
- Partner with other groups that wish to prevent falls in your
community (e.g. municipal government, recreation committee, volunteer
coordinator, local health centre).
- Consult members of your organization and seniors in the community
to determine what needs to be done locally regarding falls prevention,
and what approaches should be pursued.
- Petition your local government and businesses to remove potential
hazards and to ensure the design of safer public spaces.
- Report any unsafe conditions to the proper authorities.
- Arrange to have workshop speakers such as a public health nurse
or a town planner/engineer discuss their roles in decreasing risks for
falls or lead a discussion yourself on how to prevent falls.
- Submit informative articles on falls prevention measures in
publications that reach local seniors.
- Arrange or ask the municipality to arrange home visits by technical
experts to assist seniors and veterans in identifying and eliminating
risks.
- Become an advocate! Ask your municipality to design safer environments;
ask that exercise programs be offered to help seniors maintain strength
and balance; organize a walking program in your local shopping mall
or elsewhere.
Look for the Resources Fact
Sheet No. 7 to obtain material to start an injury prevention program
in your community.
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