Fall Prevention Month Generic Article
Loop Communication Platform and Fall Prevention November 2021
By Marguerite Oberle Thomas, RN., BScN.
Wondering about resources to inform your practice to avoid falls and fall related injuries for older adults? Looking for fall prevention contact persons in your area and professional development opportunities? Why not join Loop, the bilingual Fall Prevention Community of Practice, www.fallsloop.com to get all the evidence-based information that you need! While you’re at it, consider raising awareness of the November 2021 Fall Prevention Month campaign www.fallpreventionmonth.ca, which marks the seventh year of the annual campaign.
Loop: Fall prevention all year round!
Now sponsored by Parachute www.parachute.ca, the online communication platform provides multiple resources for year-round fall prevention activities. Loop is a no-cost communication platform that enables its members, the intermediaries who work with adults, older adults, and/or caregivers, to innovate, learn, share, and implement evidence-informed interventions. Loop offers:
- Webinars: New knowledge and ongoing education opportunities on fall prevention research, policy and practice. Loop offers ongoing and archived webinars.
- Discussion Forums: Where members can ask questions; gain practical, how-to advice; share information to inform their fall prevention practice and research.
- Event Calendar: Where members can feature their own fall prevention events, find out about Loop webinars and conferences.
- Knowledge Centre: Where members can access evidence-based information through existing knowledge products or literature search consultations with the Loop Knowledge Broker.
- Private Groups: Where members can collaborate in private on specific fall prevention projects and initiatives.
- Networking Opportunities: Where members can develop lasting relationships with other members across disciplines, sectors and Canada.
- Biweekly Newsletters: Where members can receive ‘heads up’ on the latest Loop activities.
- Tutorial Videos on Loop Features: Where members can learn how to use Loop services and functions efficiently.
Fall Prevention Month Campaign in November!
The vision of Fall Prevention Month is that all Canadians play a role in preventing falls. The mission is to equip practitioners and service providers, business, government and academia with the evidence-informed resources to raise awareness and engage their communities in preventing falls and fall-related injuries.
Downloadable resources include branded media packages, a fact bank, virtual and in person activities and information for both older adults, their caregivers, and practitioners, education opportunities, statistics and infographics. There are numerous no cost articles available for editors of senior’s magazines or newsletters to use as is or adapt. Check out the two newest articles on the use of gait aids for older adults (https://www.fallpreventionmonth.ca/we-want-to-rock-not-roll) and for caregivers of older adults with dementia (https://www.fallpreventionmonth.ca/caregivers-does-your-loved-one-need-a-gait-aid).If your media space is more limited, consider the postcard https://www.fallpreventionmonth.ca/adults/take-action-adults/promotional-materials/branded-media-package.
Please take advantage of these no cost, evidence-based resources and play your role in preventing falls this November!
Contact mthomas@parachute.ca for further information.
Optional Sidebars:
Sidebar 1:
Why we need Fall Prevention Month:
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian older adults. 20-30% of older adults fall each year [1]
Falls are the leading cause for hospital admissions from injuries for children ages 0 to 14 [2]
[1] Government of Canada (2015). Seniors Falls in Canada – Infographic. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/aging-seniors/publications/publications-general-public/seniors-falls-canada-second-report/seniors-falls-canada-infographic.html
[2] Parachute. Retrieved from: http://www.parachutecanada.org/child-injury-prevention/item/fall-prevention
Sidebar 2:
Fall Prevention Month encourages organizations to coordinate their efforts for a larger impact
Partners are non-profit organizations, public health units and regional health authorities, professional associations, research and academic institutes, governments, and expert volunteers who attend monthly partner meetings and actively contribute and participate in the development and promotion of FPM resources and activities.
Sidebar 3:
Enjoy your time on Loop!
Loop is a non-profit initiative for knowledge and information sharing. All are welcome! Please note that for-profit products and services cannot be endorsed or promoted on Loop.
Sidebar 4:
