“It has improved my balance so I’m hoping I’ll stay on my feet!” says Myrna.
“I take it for balance and I just feel good,” says Evelyn.
The classes are part of a Northeastern Stay on Your Feet (SOYF) falls prevention effort that’s now in full swing – complete with an awareness campaign and methods of helping older adults age safely at home.
The location of about 300 exercise classes can be found here on the North East LHIN website, www.nelhin.on.ca. The North East LHIN is investing $500,000 annually over three years to support SOYF initiatives which includes providing resources to older adults to assess their risk of falling, and materials for health care providers to help determine if patients are at risk of falls.
The North East LHIN and the five Public Heath Units across the region have worked together to adopt a self-risk assessment tool called ‘Staying Independent.’ As a proven best practice, this tool helps older adults identify their risk for falls and the steps they need to take to stay independent by preventing a fall. After answering the 12 simple yes/no questions, they add up their score. If the total is four or more points, the senior may be considered at risk for falling and are encouraged to discuss the checklist with their health care provider to find ways to reduce their risk. Seniors can also call their local health unit to learn more about exercise classes, falls’ prevention classes, and to get resources to help them prevent a fall. Call your local health unit or download a copy from the North East LHIN website.
