More Seniors to Benefit From Exercise and Falls Prevention Classes in Mississauga Halton

Information posted July 23, 2013

The following is quoted from the Mississauga Halton LHIN website

 

Oakville (July 18, 2013) – Seniors in Mississauga Halton 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 Mississauga Halton Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) has chosen March of Dimes Canada in collaboration with pt Health Solutions Corp to provide group exercise and falls prevention classes. Through a call for proposals, not-for-profit corporations, co-operatives, municipalities and First Nations were eligible to submit their proposals for delivering these services in their communities.

March of Dimes Canada in partnership with pt Health Solutions Corp will deliver on the goals of Ontario’s Exercise and Falls Prevention Initiative by:

  • Expanding exercise and falls prevention service levels.
  • Improving access to exercise and falls prevention classes across geographic areas.
  • Building upon existing exercise and falls prevention initiatives, including related programs offered by the local Public Health Unit.

The Mississauga Halton LHIN is working closely with community organizations to ensure that exercise and falls prevention classes are available to seniors currently receiving classes provided by Designated Physiotherapy Clinics. Classes focus on applying knowledge and understanding of the human body to help each participant increase their mobility, pain relief, build strength, and improve balance.  The exercise program is built on best practices and evidence based models proposed from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.

Exercise and falls prevention classes will be offered in multiple locations throughout the LHIN 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

“I am pleased to announce that March of Dimes Canada in partnership with pt Health Solutions Corp will be providing exercise and falls prevention classes to seniors throughout our service area. With the expansion of exercise and falls prevention classes, all seniors in our community will have better access to these important services when and where they need it.”

— Bill MacLeod, CEO Mississauga Halton LHI

“The services that will be provided for both exercise and falls prevention classes will be an excellent opportunity for local seniors to keep physically active and build greater confidence. We want to make sure that the well-being of seniors in our community from both a physical and mental perspective is a continuing top priority.”

Kevin Flynn, MPP Oakville 

“Today’s announcement means that more seniors in western Mississauga will be able to stay active, healthy and live independently in the comfort of their own homes. Ontario is focusing on providing healthcare services in the most efficient way possible. That means supporting seniors by enhancing community health services, while reducing hospital readmissions and visits to emergency department.”

— Bob Delaney, MPP Mississauga-Streetsville  

“We are taking direct action to ensure that over 68,000 additional seniors – 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

 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 investment in new and expanded services will help provide exercise classes to over 8,000 Mississauga Halton LHIN residents and Falls Prevention classes to more than 1,400 residents annually.
  • This funding for support of exercise and falls prevention classes within the local community will increase access to services to approximately double the amount of current clients by 2014.
  • The Mississauga Halton LHIN continues to focus efforts to ensure we are providing the right care in the right place at the right time; supporting seniors by enhancing community health service capacity, reducing hospital readmissions and visits to emergency departments (ER) related to falls.
  • The groups to be served are intended to be individuals with a seniors profile, and access to these community based services will not be limited.
  • The Mississauga Halton LHIN is the province’s second smallest LHIN in geographical size and the fifth largest in population. It had the highest growth rate in population (12%) from 2006 to 2011 and is expected to grow by 46% from 2010 – 2030.
  • The number of people aged 75 years+ will increase 143% by 2030 in the Mississauga Halton LHIN.