The province’s seniors’ advocate has released a report on the in-home preparedness of seniors as they age in place.

The report – ‘An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure,’ found that nearly 80 per cent of seniors indicated that cost is a barrier to installing items to prevent falls, such as railings, non-slip tape, hand bars and bathroom modifications.

Advocate Susan Walsh says injury suffered in slips and falls is the leading reason why seniors ending up in long-term care facilities and that more money should be allocated for prevention and information.

“The report found many can’t afford it, but many also just don’t know what to do,” she told reporters Wednesday.

She says help should be provided. “Yes, provide some financial assistance for our lower income seniors, and as well, make it available that if you can’t afford it, but your income’s higher, well, here’s a no-cost loan.”