Context

Because falls and their after-effects are among the most serious and frequent problems affecting the elderly, a whole range of effective fall prevention initiatives have been developed. One such initiative is the dynamic integrated balance programme known as Stand Up! / PIED (Programme intégré d’équilibre dynamique. Stand Up! is part of a continuum of services designed to prevent falls and fractures among independent seniors living at home. It is led by a qualified professional and is designed with the safety and capabilities of the participants in mind.

Stand Up! is a group activity and is more intensive than most community centre programmes, so it may not be suited to everyone's needs. Seniors whose balance is too shaky or whose health problems can be worsened by intense exercise should see their doctor for referral to other programmes (e.g., Tai Chi, speed walking).

To top

Did you know?

In Québec:

  • one million seniors aged 65 and over are living at home;
  • one-third of seniors living at home will have a fall during the coming year, and in half of the cases, the fall will occur at home and could have been avoided;
  • there are annually about 50,000 visits to the doctor, 13,000 hospitalizations and 600 deaths among seniors aged 65 and over;
  • while only 3% of falls cause a fracture, for many seniors a fall is the event that triggers or aggravates their loss of independence and mobility.
Source: INSPQ, La prévention des chutes dans un continuum de services pour the aînés vivant à domicile. Guide d’implantation IMP, 2007.

To top

Are you a health professional?

If you are interested in learning more, please visit the Preventing seniors' falls at home page on the website of Montréal's Director of Public Health.

To top

Target population

People aged 65 and over who live at home, and more specifically those who have a history of falling, are afraid of falling or are concerned about their balance.

To top

Practical advice

What can you do to prevent problems or protect yourself?

  • To find out what to do if a fall occurs, call Marie-Eve Delichy at 514-484-7878, extension 1470 to receive a brochure from the CSSS Cavendish.
  • Click on the Stand Up! (PIED) link.
  • To sign up for Stand Up! or to other information on how to prevent falls among seniors living at home, contact Marie-Eve Delichy, B.Sc Kinesiologist – Regional fall prevention coordinator - CSSS Cavendish - 5800, Boul Cavendish, suite 600 - Côte St-Luc, Qc, H4W 2T5 - Tel.: 514 484-7878, ext. 1470 - Fax: 514 485-1612

Where can you find additional, credible information? 

Public Health Agency of Canada
Ministère de la santé et des services sociaux
Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (French only)
Société d’habitation du Québec - Home Adaptation for Seniors’ Independence 

To top