Additional Resources
Please visit these sites for additional information about healthy living, recreational safety, and fall prevention.
Finding Balance BC
The BC Falls and Injury Prevention Coalition (BCFIPC) is a multisectoral collaborative of individuals or organization members who have regional or provincial-level representation for an organization, academic institution, professional association and/or community agency whose work has the ability to influence the reduction falls and fall-related injuries among older persons in British Columbia. Finding Balance BC is the online hub for fall prevention information in BC.
Osteoporosis Canada
Osteoporosis Canada, a registered charity, is the only national organization serving people who have, or are at risk for, osteoporosis. The organization works to educate, empower and support individuals and communities in the risk-reduction and treatment of osteoporosis. For more information, please visit Osteoporosis Canada.
Vancouver Coastal Health Fall Prevention
Vancouver Coastal Health provides helpful information about falls and fall prevention, including tips for staying safe in your home and your community. For more information, please visit VCH Fall Prevention.
SeniorsBC.ca
SeniorsBC.ca provides information about government programs and services for older citizens. The site includes information on healthy aging, transportation programs, housing, and financial and legal matters that affect seniors. Visit SeniorsBC.ca for more information.
Fraser Health Fall Prevention
Fraser Health Fall Prevention provides resources and guides on living safely and independently. Fraser Health also offers programs dedicated to reducing falls and fall-related injury for people living in the lower mainland of British Columbia. For more information, please visit Fraser Health Fall Prevention.
Interior Health Fall and Injury Prevention
Interior Health has developed several programs committed to reducing falls and fall-related injury among older adults. These programs include tips and guidance for seniors living in the community, in residential facilities and for those staying in hospital. Find more at Interior Health Fall and Injury Prevention.
Public Health Agency of Canada: Aging & Seniors
The Public Health Agency’s Aging & Seniors page presents helpful information on a variety of up-to-date topics related to the health and lifestyle issues of older adults. Visit the site at Aging & Seniors to learn more about age-friendly communities, physical fitness, fall prevention, and emergency preparedness.
Public Health Agency of Canada: Physical Activity
The Public Health Agency of Canada’s Physical Activity website includes helpful information about the importance of physical activity for maintaining health and for preventing diseases like cancer and Type 2 diabetes. Here you can also find resources for older adults, including tips on how to live an active, healthy life. (See: “Physical activity tips for older adults (65 years and older).”) For more information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada.
CDC Injury & Prevention Control
The Center for Disease Control’s Injury and Prevention Control offers extensive information about preventable at-home injuries. The site includes helpful tips for older adults who want to improve their home and recreational safety. Visit the CDC Injury & Prevention Control for the latest information on preventing injuries in the home.
Falls and Injury Prevention for Elders – UBC Learning Circle
In this presentation Dr. Vicky Scott will describe a new project to adapt an existing fall and fire prevention program specifically for First Nations Communities. The program known as ‘Strategies and Actions for Independent Living’ (SAIL), has been shown effective in the general population of home support clients. This 3-year project involves a series of training workshops and evaluation site visits for over a dozen First Nations communities to determine what is most appropriate and feasible with regard to fall and fire prevention in remote and urban First Nations communities. Watch video on Youtube.
BC Elders’ Guide
The BC Elders’ Guide provides information on provincial and federal programs and community and local resources, with sections on health, lifestyle, housing, transportation, finances, benefits, safety and security, and other services. In the guide, Elders share their secrets to aging well, including eating traditional foods and staying active through hunting and fishing. The guide also addresses the importance of nurturing spirit through being engaged in community life and a reminder to keep tobacco use ceremonial. Read the BC Elders’ Guide or visit the First Nations Health Authority for more information.
Strategies and Actions for Independent Living (SAIL)
Older adults and persons with disabilities often wish to live independently in their own homes, but falls in the home are a major health threat. The practical SAIL tools help home care aides and community support workers to help clients live at home more safely by preventing falls and fall injuries. Click here to download more information.
Elders’ Fall and Fire Prevention Handout
Without prevention efforts, about one half of First Nation Elders
aged 60 years and older fall once or more each year. Staying fall-free can help you to stay independent and avoid the need to go to hospital or enter a long-term care facility. Falls typically happen for a combination of reasons – most of which can be detected to prevent falls and related injuries. Fire deaths at home occur because people are not warned in enough time to escape. Older people and those with disabilities are at greatest risk. Click here to download more information.
Fall Prevention Information
These are some great resources shared by the BC Falls Prevention Team. Please share with anyone who is in need of support!
- If you fall or witness a fall do you know what to do?
- Getting around in your community?
- Age-Friendly Communication: Facts, Tips, and Ideas
- Trauma Association of Canada (TAC) Injury Prevention Canada
- Injury Prevention – Trauma Association of Canada (traumacanada.org) (many pamphlets and programs with print outs for fall prevention based on Province)
- LudoFit | Video-game exercises for balance, strength, stamina, brain health, coordination and range of motion.
Fall prevention support devices: