KFL&A Falls Prevention, Kingston, Ontario

The First Step Quiz

Introduction
Injuries from falls have been identified as the second leading cause of hospital admissions due to injury in Ontario. As we age we are particularly at risk of having a fall. One in every three people, over the age of sixty-five, will have a fall this year. A fall can cause an injury that might seriously impair your ability to live independently. Forty percent of all nursing home admissions can be directly related to a fall. Falls are predictable and preventable.

Do you know what is putting you at risk for a fall?
Research shows that there are more than 400 risk factors linked to falls. These risks can be reduced through awareness and simple changes. The First Step: Falls prevention starts with you booklet will help you see what is putting you at risk and what you can do to prevent a fall. It suggests:

  • What you can do
  • Where to go
  • Who to phone
Follow the computer links below or call 613-613-549-1232, ext. 181 for your copy of The First Step.

How to Take Your "First Step" to Prevent Yourself from Falling
  1. Answer the "Fall Risk Questions" on the following pages.
  2. For each question answered "Yes", read the section that applies. (click 'yes')
  3. Print off and complete the "My First Steps Plan to Prevent Falls" (.pdf format).
Take control now to stay on your feet.
Take the 'First Step' to prevent yourself from falling NOW! - Click Here

Acknowledgements
The KFL&A Stay on your Feet Falls Prevention Coalition wishes to acknowledge the efforts of numerous individuals and agencies who contributed significantly to the production of this booklet. Thank you to:

  • The task group who developed the booklet for you:
    • KFL&A Public Health
    • L&A Seniors Outreach Services
    • North Kingston Community Health Centre
    • Rideaucrest and Fairmount Homes
    • Providence Continuing Care Centre (PCCC)
    • Seniors Association Kingston Region.
  • Each agency listed in the booklet for reviewing their contact and related information.
  • The seniors and agency representatives in our community who kindly reviewed the booklet for us.
Special thanks to Eastern Lake Ontario VON Foundation and the City of Kingston Healthy Community Fund 2002 for their financial support that assisted in making this resource booklet available to our community.

Thank you to the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation for funds to reprint this valuable resource.

To request copies of this booklet or to provide comments and/or suggestions, call the KFL&A Falls Prevention Coalition at 613-549-1232, ext. 181 or 1-800-267-7875 or visit our website at www.stepsafe.com.

Disclaimer:
This material is intended to provide you with general information. It does not take the place of services provided by a health care professional.

Copyright Permission:
You are encouraged to keep, reproduce and/or modify this material as you need. Not to be used for profit or commercial reasons. Please acknowledge "adapted from the Burnaby Coalition to Prevent Falls, Simon Fraser Health Region".