Preventing Falls in Older Adults
Falls are not a normal part of aging. However, fall-related injuries are a major cause of hospitalization, disability and death among older adults in Canada. Falls and associated outcomes not only harm the injured individuals but also affect family, friends, care providers and the healthcare system.
- As many as 1/3 of seniors experience a fall each year.
- Falls can lead to significant disability, loss of independence, higher likelihood of institutionalization in long-term care settings, and increased risk of premature death.
- Negative mental health outcomes associated with falls include increased isolation, fear of falling, confusion and depression.
- Falls take a significant financial toll on Canada’s healthcare system, costing billions annually.
- Fortunately, the personal and economic costs of fall-related injuries can be reduced through injury prevention activities.
Aimed at reducing the incidence of falls locally, the Champlain Falls Prevention Strategy was developed by the Regional Geriatric Program of Eastern Ontario, in partnership with the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), the Eastern Ontario Health Unit and other community partners.
As part of the strategy, assessment and intervention tools and resources were developed to support primary care practitioners in identifying the root causes of falls amongst seniors and to put into place the appropriate interventions to reduce the number of falls and the injuries related to falls. Follow the links below to access these resources.
Resources for healthcare providers
Falls Prevention – tools and resources for clinical practice
Fall Prevention eLearning Module – accredited, online CME through the University of Ottawa
