in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
October 14, 2022
Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries in Grey-Bruce, with local hospitals reporting that about 8,100 emergency department visits and 817 hospitalizations are due to falls annually.
Grey-Bruce has the highest age-standardized rate of emergency department visits due to falls among all public health units in Ontario at nearly double the provincial rate. Falls occur across the lifespan and the rate of emergency department visits in Grey-Bruce attributed to falls is well above the provincial average in all age categories.
Falls can have serious consequences, especially for older adults, and multiple deaths each year are attributed to this cause locally.
“Residents aged 65 and older are at an increased risk of being injured because of a fall due to a variety of factors,” says Jason Weppler, Program Manager of Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention at the Grey Bruce Health Unit.
“However, it’s important to note that most falls can be prevented. The Grey Bruce Health Unit continues to work towards reducing the incidence and severity of falls and falls-related injuries among older adults through education and by promoting evidence-based fall prevention, intervention, and management initiatives.”
To mark Fall Prevention Month in November, the Grey Bruce Health Unit is holding two events — one in Owen Sound and another in Walkerton — to provide individuals and caregivers with important information aimed at preventing falls and assisting seniors to live independently in their homes for as long as possible.
Sessions, entitled “Launching Fall Prevention Month: Seniors’ Morning for Keeping Independent,” will take place Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Grey Bruce Health Unit, 101 17th St. E. in Owen Sound, and Nov. 2 from 9 am to noon at the Walkerton Legion, 505 Scott St. in Walkerton.
Topics to be discussed include:
There is no cost to attend these events, but people are asked to register by calling 519-376-9420 ext. 1410. Refreshments will be provided.
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