When it comes to preventing and recovering from an accidental fall, the residents of Niagara-on-the-Lake who came out to the latest Learn & Live session at the public library were keen to gain some helpful knowledge.

Fall prevention and recovery is a relevant topic to residents of Niagara-on-the-Lake, occupational therapist Alexandria Giles told The Lake Report. 

Alongside student Holly Thomson and paramedic Phil Florov, Giles ran the Learn & Live session on Feb. 24 at the NOTL Public Library with a focus on fall intervention. 

“There was lots of engagement and questions at the end. People wanted to come up to us and have discussions,” Giles said in an interview. 

Many of the attendees experience mobility issues in their lives one way or another, she said. 

“It was either them being impacted by mobility issues and falls or maybe someone they know, a family member of a friend.” 

During its presentation, the Falls Intervention Team presented different daily fall prevention strategies, along with providing handouts for different fall alert systems. 

The team also provided some staggering numbers, Giles said. 

“I think a lot of them were surprised when I said up to 25 per cent of people post-fall die within a year,” she said. 

Audience members were left with some easy everyday tips to help make their everyday lives safer from occupational therapy student Holly Thomson. 

Thomson shared some of her best tips with The Lake Report. 

“A big piece when it comes to environment is having a safe pathway, clear of obstacles,” Thomson said. 

“Removing non-necessary items such as loose bath mats or any carpets that may contribute to a fall specifically.” 

Thomson emphasized how important it is to have any home modifications approved by a professional, along with the importance of regular eye and ear checkups. 

Things like medication side effects and improper footwear in the home can lead to a fall, Thomson said.

Those who still feel unclear about what they can do to prevent falls or want access to more resources should reach out to Ontario 211, Giles said. 

“211 will direct you to the appropriate phone numbers and appropriate people, depending on what you’re needing in the community,” she said.