News
Falls the leading cause of injury among New Brunswickers
From 2010 to 2015, New Brunswick has seen a 26 per cent increase in the number of injured seniors due to falls. Falls among seniors result in approximately 85 per cent of injury-related hospitalizations. In order to provide strategies to help lower this risk among seniors, the NB Trauma Program is committed to bringing the Finding Balance Program to New Brunswick.
“The NB Trauma Program is pleased to offer New Brunswickers a central location to access online information and resources on falls prevention for seniors, caregivers and health-care professionals” said Dr. Tushar Pishe, Interim Medical Director of the NB Trauma Program. “Our Finding Balance partners across Canada share our passion for helping seniors prevent falls so they can stay active and independent.”
Every year falls among all ages cost the New Brunswick health-care system $248 million, representing the largest single contributor to the total cost of injury in the province. Everyone is at risk for falls. As we grow older, the risk of injury due to falls increases. Falls among seniors can lead to reduced mobility and independence, as well as increased risk for admission into a nursing home. There are preventative measures seniors and their caregivers can take to help reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.
By understanding the risks associated with everyday living, we can help prevent injury or minimize the risk of being injured. We encourage everyone to learn more about ways to stay safe in order to remain independent and continue to actively engage in family and community life as long as possible.
For more information specific to senior falls prevention, please visit www.FindingBalanceNB.ca. For general information on falls prevention and other injury prevention topics for people of all ages, please visit www.NBTrauma.ca.