If you are a senior or know one that has fallen recently – it may give you comfort to know you are not alone.
A study by the Grey Bruce Health Unit is being conducted on the rising level of seniors having experienced falls.
Grey Bruce has the highest level of senior population aged 65 to 74 years old in southwestern Ontario.
The study — in conjunction with the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Western Ontario — to help pinpoint why the rate of falls is rising.
On average in Ontario each year — 34 per cent of seniors living at home and 43 per cent of nursing home residents suffer a fall.
Health Promoter of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention for Grey Bruce – Sarah Milne is helping conduct the study.
According to Milne the senior population will increase in the next ten years and this study will help make safety barriers for years to come.
Research is being gathered from long term care centres as well as informal information from the community at large.
Milne says this study is different from other research done on senior falls because this one looks for the root cause of the falls.
The study has come up with a screening process to aid in locating the roots.
Milne gathers the information in the study with other groups, lets the organization studied know the outcome.
Milne says they then work with that organization to better the situation.
This study will contribute to a series of forums that have been ongoing in the area.
Two well attended public forms were held back in the spring in Walkerton and Owen Sound on the safety of seniors.
The study works closely with Community Care Access Centre – the place to call if you would like more information on how to prevent falls or to be part of the study.
The number of the CCAC is 1-888-371-2112.