Falls Prevention and Healthy Aging Grant

In spring 2024, Northern Health was pleased to partner with the Pacific Public Health Foundation to provide the Falls Prevention and Healthy Aging Grant. This one-time initiative, new in 2024, funded projects that help prevent falls and promote healthy aging for adults 55 years and older in our communities. This grant invited communities and organizations to apply for up to $10,000 to fund projects that support falls prevention and healthy aging in the North.

Northern Health received many applications that highlighted innovative ideas northern communities have for supporting healthy aging. The projects that were funded aligned with what research tells us is effective in preventing falls, as well as filling a need in the community. They included projects that:

• Support modification to homes and community spaces: Adaptations such as installing handrails, improving lighting, and building ramps into buildings, create an inviting spaces and help prevent falls.

• Provide opportunities for strength and balance exercises: Building and maintaining strength and balance with age is proven to prevent falls. Northern communities submitted several projects that will bring older adults together to safely engage in physical activities.

• Offer the opportunity for social connection: Communities are working to re-establish community programs after the pandemic. Several projects funded with this grant will provide opportunities for older adults to come together and build social networks.

• Supply mobility aids: Communities across the North identified the need for a free local supply of mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, and canes, to prevent falls for their community members. Loan cupboards for these mobility aids will be supplied through this funding.

• Strength community programs: Community agencies will work toward strengthening staff training, resources, and programming, to improve their fall prevention services.

Thank you to all those who applied and congratulations to the successful applications. If you’re interested in learning more about falls prevention for older adults, visit Seniors’ Falls Prevention webpage.