PREVENTING FALLS TOGETHER

Preventing Falls Together helps volunteers and organizations work with seniors to prevent falls at home and in the community.  About 33% of seniors fall each year.  Preventing Falls Together is a program of Community Links, a provincial association serving seniors and volunteers throughout Nova Scotia.  The program has received nationwide recognition for its work.  The goal of Preventing Falls Together is to help prevent falls among seniors.  Members of these coalitions include community volunteers, seniors’ groups, health promotion agencies, businesses, and government.  Coalition members work with individuals and organizations in their communities to promote falls awareness and to conduct actions to reduce falls among seniors.  Preventing Falls Together staff support and assist coalitions in their work.  Some fall prevention actions conducted by coalitions include:  presentations and displays at health fairs and community events; tai chi & exercise classes; painting the edges of stairs in public buildings; projects focusing on places of worship; advocating for seating for seniors; safer sidewalks and trails; and publications.  Visit our web site        www.preventingfallstogether.ca

FINANCIAL ABUSE

Did you know that financial exploitation is the most commonly reported form of abuse of seniors?  This is one form of senior abuse.  Other forms include emotional, physical, sexual, neglect and violation of rights.  Financial exploitation can happen to anyone.  If it happens to you, remember, you are not alone, you are not to blame. Examples of financial abuse:  someone puts pressure on you to gain access to your money or property; someone misuses a power of attorney to take your money; someone forces or tricks you into signing a contract or a will.  What should you do?  Conduct your own financial matters as much as possible; plan ahead and make your wishes known; say “no” when someone pressures you for money – even family members; make sure you understand every document you sign; talk to someone you trust; call your local police.  They will investigate to determine if the abuse is a crime and will recommend how to proceed; talk with a lawyer when making plans such as creating a power of attorney; good legal information and advice is an important investment. 

Senior Abuse Line: 1-877-833-3377  Your call will be kept confidential.

Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia: 455-3135

PhoneBusters: 1-888-495-8501 to report scams and fraud.