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Falls and falls prevention > Motivate and support your members as they make changes

A man and a woman reading a pamphlet
Providing information and encouragement can help people make changes.

Photo by John Sylvester, Veterans Affairs Canada

Motivate and support your members as they make changes

Your ultimate goal is not simply to inform your members about falls, but also to encourage and support them to do something to reduce their risk of falling. Some strategies that may help are:

A special event
Many groups or communities have an annual "falls prevention" campaign. Special displays, speakers and coverage in the local media help to generate interest, and also to reinforce the fact that, "Falls prevention is an important issue!" Plan information sessions to build on the interest around such events. If you have the space, you could even involve your members in organizing a "Fall-Free Fair" at your centre.

Personal encouragement
Recognize the changes individuals have made. Congratulate people who have done something to prevent falls. Recognize individuals who are able to overcome difficulties to make changes.

Champions
Identify older adults who would be positive role models for other members

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Last modified June 29, 2004