For our last webinar of 2014 we were joined by Ms. Isobel McDonald from the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) for an excellent presentation on community-based falls prevention programming in First Nations communities.
With many initiatives underway at the year-old FNHA, Ms. McDonald highlighted their partnership with the Strategies and Actions for Independent Living (SAIL) and the Elder Safety Program (ESP) developed by Dr. Vicky Scott at BCIRPU, a newly adapted fall and fire prevention program for elders living on reserve in British Columbia and receiving home support services. Also highlighted was a program out of Bella Coola developed by Glenda Phillips, Manager, Home & Community Support, Bella Coola General Hospital, that has been successful in integrating falls prevention programming and other healthcare add-ons with a foot care program. Referring to it as a “full service health prevention teaching opportunity through foot care,” this example demonstrates a unique way to engage people on a variety of healthcare issues in an effective and culturally competent way.
For more information on the FNHA’s work to develop falls prevention programming in First Nations communities contact Isobel McDonald, and for information on the Strategies and Actions for Independent Living (SAIL) and ESP program contact Dr. Vicky Scott.