Campaign Toolkit

CAMPAIGN | Toolkit

Thank you so much for your support of the Seniors’ Fall Prevention Awareness Week campaign!

Continue to share information on seniors’ fall prevention throughout the year by engaging your organization, stakeholders, and community. You will be helping to reduce falls, and injury due to falls, in BC. Here are a few simple things you can do to get your organization involved.

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Printable posters
Social media posts and toolkit
Articles for sharing

Distribute or display the Finding Balance posters

Print out a copy of the posters or contact us and we can send you some.
Place your posters in a high-traffic area before the campaign launch date to help create awareness.
Email this page link to any contacts you have who might be able to print and share the posters with seniors at their location.

Print Resolution 8.5″ x 11″ Posters (PDF format – click image to download)

Distribute Finding Balance social media messages via your X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram channels. We will have updates and tweets throughout the month of November on the Finding Balance X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram accounts.
Are you FINDING BALANCE in your life? Share updates about how you’re staying strong and independent and preventing falls in your life and/or helping others. Just use the hashtag #PreventFallsBC or tag us @stopfallsbc so we can find your updates!
Encourage others on social media to visit www.findingbalancebc.ca.
You can share any of the pages or posts on this website using the handy share buttons at the bottom of each page.

Connect with us online, and remember to use the hashtag #PreventFallsBC!

2023 Fall Prevention Week Social Media Toolkit (PDF)

Social media images (click each image to download)

You are welcome to use the content below on your websites, and in your newsletters. Just click on the orange button to download that version of the article in word doc format.

ARTICLE | Short Form

Are you at risk for falls?

Everyone experiences a fall now and then. While most falls do not cause serious injury, occasionally we are reminded of how even a simple fall from standing can be catastrophic. Falls are especially devastating among older adults causing over 90% of hip fractures and 60% of head injuries. In fact, on average, every 30 minutes a senior is hospitalized because of a fall.

Some people believe that falls are a normal part of aging and can’t be prevented, or that it won’t happen to them. The truth is: There are many things you can do to prevent falls. Many risk factors are within our control to change.

What can you do to help prevent falls?

Keep your body active: You are less likely to fall if you have strong muscles and good balance.

Have your eyes checked by an optometrist once a year: Good vision can reduce your risk of falling.

Have your doctor or pharmacist review your medications: Some medications can make you fell drowsy, dizzy, or unsteady on your feet.

Make your home safer: Falls are often due to home hazards that are easy to overlook but easy to fix

For more information about falls prevention go to www.findingbalancebc.ca

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ARTICLE | Long Form

How can you help prevent falls?

Everyone experiences a fall now and then. While most falls do not cause serious injury, occasionally we are reminded of how even a simple fall from standing can be catastrophic. Indeed, falls from standing height are the most common cause of injury-related hospitalizations across the lifespan and the number one cause of injury-related deaths in older adults. Falls are especially devastating among older adults causing over 90% of hip fractures and wrist fractures, and 60% of head injuries.

There is no single reason why people fall. A fall usually occurs when several risk factors happen at the same time. For example, if you walk down the hallway in your home at a normal pace during the day, there is little chance you will fall. But if it is the middle of the night and there are no lights on, and you are rushing to get to the bathroom, your chances of falling are much greater.

Many risk factors are within our control to change. Some people believe that falls are a normal part of aging, that no matter what they do, falls can’t be prevented, or that it won’t happen to them.

The truth is: Falls are not a normal part of aging and there are many things you can do to prevent falls.

Keep your body active

Being active is one of the most important ways to lower your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Activities that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most helpful. You are less likely to fall if you have strong muscles and good balance.

Have your eyes checked by an optometrist once a year

Poor vision can increase your chances of falling. Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Also, clean your glasses often and be aware that the risk of falling outside and on stairs is increased when wearing bifocals or progressive lenses.

Have your doctor or pharmacist review your medications

Some medications can increase your chances of falling if you experience negative side-effects, interactions between drugs, or errors in following prescription directions. Sedatives, anti-depressants, and anti-psychotic drugs can reduce mental alertness, worsen balance and gait, cause dizziness or drowsiness, and cause drops in blood pressure while standing.

Have your doctor or pharmacist review all the medicines you take (even over-the-counter medicines) and tell them if the medications you are taking are making you drowsy or dizzy.

If you are taking blood thinners (e.g. Coumadin) and have a bump or blow to the head, you should be seen immediately by a health care provider due to increased risk of internal bleeding.

Make your home safer

The majority of falls happen in our own homes while performing normal daily activities. Falls are often due to home hazards that are easy to overlook but easy to fix. To make your home safer:

Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
Place a lamp close to the bed where it’s easy to reach.
Put in a night-light so you can see where you’re walking.
Hang light-weight curtains or shades to reduce glare.
Have handrails and lights put in on all staircases.
Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.

For more information about falls prevention go to www.findingbalancebc.ca