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Program tool 9. Is your centre safe and activity-friendly?

• Page 1 - Instructions
• Page 2 - Entrance to centre
• Page 3 -Throughout your centre
• Page 4 - Public washroom and shower facilities
• Page 5 - Inside and outside steps
• Page 6 - Inside and outside ramp
• Page 7 - Your immediate outdoor environment

Page 1 - Instructions

What is this tool about?

This tool is designed to help you identify the extent to which falls hazards exist in your building and immediate surroundings. It is based on research about where and how seniors fall. The checklist can help you identify specific barriers to a safe, activity-friendly centre. It is brief, easy to use, and may serve to prevent one of your members (maybe you!) from a fall.

How to use the tool

Walk around your building, both inside and out. Go down the list of potential hazards and check off those that you identify. If a barrier does not apply to your building or environment, just go to the next one.

What to do if you find a barrier

For each barrier, the tool suggests solutions to minimize the risk of an older adult falling. They range from easy and low cost to more expensive and elaborate strategies.

Even if the barrier is outside of your building and off your property, you may be able to do to something to eliminate it. In many municipalities, a complaint line is the first line of action. Take note of the specific location and nature of the hazard so you can provide as many details as possible when reporting your concern. Many municipalities have policies whereby they MUST investigate a complaint within a reasonable time frame. However, your municipality will only become aware of a potential hazard if you call them… so make your voice heard!

Some organizations find it useful to add up the total number of barriers checked at two different times. Then they compare the numbers to see if there has been a change—hopefully a drop in the number of barriers.

Who can you call?

To report hazards in your neighbourhood:

• In apartment buildings, stores, or restaurants contact the owner or manager.
  
• In a shopping mall, contact the mall authority.
  
• On city streets or sidewalks contact the local municipality.

Is your centre safe and activity-friendly?

Date of completion: ______________________________________

By whom: ______________________________________________

The more items with a “No” answer, the more barriers or hazards there are around your centre and the less safe and activity-friendly centre it is.

Look at the “What to do if this is a problem” column for ideas about how to make your centre more activity friendly.

Join your local falls prevention coalition and work with others to make recommendations for changes to municipal by-laws or the Ontario Building Code.

Removing or reducing barriers need to not be expensive or time consuming.

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Program tool 8

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Program tool 9 - page 2