Wednesday, July 24, 2013
More Seniors to Benefit From Exercise and Falls Prevention Classes in the Champlain Region
Champlain LHIN Selects Agencies to Provide Services to Seniors
Seniors in the Champlain region will have improved access to exercise and falls prevention classes, beginning August 1, 2013.
As part of Ontario’s commitment to help more seniors stay healthy and active, the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) has chosen the Champlain Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) to provide the exercise classes and the region’s Community Health Centres to deliver the falls prevention programs. These choices were made through a call for proposals.
The providers will deliver on the goals of Ontario’s Exercise and Falls Prevention Initiative by:
- Maintaining exercise and falls prevention service levels
- Improving access to exercise and falls prevention classes across geographic areas, including small and rural communities
The Champlain LHIN is working closely with community organizations to ensure that exercise and falls prevention classes are available to seniors currently receiving classes from Designated Physiotherapy Clinics.
Exercise and falls prevention classes will be set up in multiple locations throughout the region to ensure access for more seniors. No fees will be charged and there will be no limit to the number of classes a senior may attend.
QUOTES
“The Champlain LHIN is pleased to partner with the CCAC and Community Health Centres to expand exercise classes and falls prevention across our region, including in small and rural areas. It’s an example of how we are creating a more coordinated and accessible health system built around the needs of patients, clients and communities.”
— Chantale LeClerc, CEO Champlain LHIN
“We are taking direct action to ensure that over 68,000 additional seniors in Ontario – about 130,000 in total – will have access to high-quality exercise and falls prevention classes. That more than doubles the current number receiving this care in the community. Just as important, this care will be expanded to a number of small and rural communities that are currently underserviced.”
— Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
“The Champlain CCAC is committed to providing a smooth and seamless transition for patients across the Champlain region. The CCAC is well positioned to manage this transition and will work with our partners to expand access to exercise classes across the region.”
— Gilles Lanteigne, Chief Executive Officer, Champlain Community Care Access Centre (CCAC)
“Falls have a significant impact on the quality of life for seniors and can be very costly both to the senior and to the health system. The consequences of a fall for seniors can include injuries, loss of confidence, a curtailment of activities and can lead to an overall decline in health and functioning. Preventing falls makes sense. The Community Health Centres look forward to working with our partners in the delivery of evidence-based falls prevention programming across the region.”¬¬
— Wanda MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer, Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre
“This announcement means that thousands of local seniors will have better access to high-quality exercise and fall prevention classes. That’s important for our community and our families, and builds on across-the-board investments in health care.”
— Bob Chiarelli (MPP Ottawa West-Nepean)
QUICK FACTS
- Falls prevention classes and regular exercise help seniors stay active, healthy and independent.
- Ontario is investing $10 million for exercise and falls prevention classes for approximately 130,000 seniors throughout the province.
- The participating Community Health Centres are:
- Carlington (Ottawa)
- Centretown (Ottawa)
- Centre de Santé communautaire de l'Estrie (Prescott-Russell, Stormont Dundas & Glengarry)
- Lanark Renfrew Health and Community Services (including Whitewater Bromley)
- Ottawa Inner City Health
- Pinecrest-Queensway (Ottawa)
- Sandy Hill (Ottawa)
- Seaway Valley (Cornwall)
- Somerset West (Ottawa)
- South-East Ottawa
- Rainbow Valley (Renfrew County)
LEARN MORE
Read about the government’s plan to expand physiotherapy services and exercise and falls prevention classes.
Click here.
For media inquiries:
Carole Ouellette
Communications Officer, Champlain LHIN
613.747.3238 or Carole.Ouellette@lhins.on.ca
For inquiries from organizations:
Please contact the Champlain LHIN at 613.747-3206
Toll-free: 1-866-902-5446 ext. 3206
or champlain@lhins.on.ca
For seniors looking for more information:
Please contact the Champlain Community Access Centre (CCAC)
613-745-5525
Toll-free: 1-800-538-0520
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