Stay Safe Committee for Older Adults

 

The Renfrew County and District Health Unit works with community groups to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults.  We work together through the Renfrew County Stay Safe Committee.  This committee promotes safe practices that help to prevent falls. 

 

Initiatives in 2005 included:

 

“Stay Happy Stay Healthy” kit for older adults – Committee members distributed 1000 Alcohol and Depression kits to seniors living in their own homes.  The kit contained a fact sheet on alcohol and depression, a pill dossier, the Low Risk Drinking Guidelines, and a fridge magnet from the Community Mental Health Crisis Line. 

 

Medicine Clean Out Campaign – This campaign encouraged people to dispose safely of their medications that are expired or no longer needed.  People were encouraged to bring their medication to a participating pharmacy or a household hazardous waste depot.  During the month of May we used posters, newspaper ads, presentations and displays to get the message out. Over 270 bags of medicine were dropped off at pharmacies.

 

“Stay Happy Stay Healthy” community event – This free one day festival for older adults was held in Arnprior on Monday, November 7, 2005.  Many health care providers were available to answer questions and promote seniors’ safety through interactive displays and presentations.  About 100 people attended.

 

Stay Safe Calendar: A Safety Guide for Older Adults – This calendar has a safety message fore each month.  Three thousand 2006 calendars were distributed to older adults across Renfrew County during November and December 2005.