SUNDRE — The municipality has approved a request to proclaim November as Seniors’ Falls Prevention Month.
Linda Nelson, chief administrative officer, presented to council the request for the municipality to make proclamation, which is intended to serve as an awareness-raising campaign initiative from the Injury Prevention Centre that developed and coordinates a program called Finding Balance.
Beyond improving public awareness, the campaign’s objectives also include educating and empowering older Albertans to stay independent and prevent falls.
“Seniors are a vital part of our families, communities, and province, giving generously of their wisdom, experience and love,” Nelson told council while reading background information in the Nov. 1 meeting’s agenda package.
“Research has shown that falls are the leading cause of injuries amongst seniors and that 20 to 30 per cent of seniors in Alberta will fall at least once a year, and that falls contribute to over 9,000 hospital admissions and 33,580 emergency department visits each year,” she said, adding administration recommended council carry a motion proclaiming November as Seniors’ Fall Prevention Month in Sundre.
“We’ve asked this question before: when someone requests for us to make a proclamation and our mayor signs it, do we do anything?” asked Coun. Todd Dalke.
“I still wonder, besides the bit of time we take to say it’s important, are we doing anything to help advocate to this,” said Dalke.
The councillor asked if the municipality is for example distributing the proclamation in the monthly newsletter that is included in the utility bill and perhaps posting the information on the town’s website to adequately inform residents.
“Because other than that, it’s just a piece of paper we sign and slide in the door and it means nothing,” said Dalke. “I wonder, if it’s going to come to council, there should be some action on it. And if not, then we shouldn’t.”
Nelson said the municipality does occasionally receive a request to include an action item that goes beyond simply making a certain proclamation.
“But generally, we don’t have any other requests,” she said, confirming the proclamations are posted on the town’s website.
Responding to another question from Coun. Jaime Marr, Nelson added that proclaiming November as Seniors’ Falls Prevention Month does not prevent the municipality from making any other proclamations this month.
Mayor Richard Warnock added there are some municipal leaders from around Central Alberta that get invited to other communities to participate in media-covered walking events followed by verbal declarations of the proclamation.
Marr suggested Sundre might one day be able to host such an event once the interpretive nature boardwalk that upon completion will be accessible to all regardless of their mobility, is finished.
Council ended up unanimously carrying a motion approving the request.
