November is Fall Prevention Month, and we’re on a mission at Verve Senior Living to help spread the word.
Did you know that the leading cause (a whopping 85%) of injury-related hospitalization among older Canadian adults is falls? According to the Government of Canada, 20-30% of older adults experience one or more falls each year, contributing to $2 billion a year in direct healthcare costs.
Falls can result in exacerbating overall health issues, leading to:
- Chronic pain
- Reduced mobility
- Loss of independence
- Earlier than expected admittance to long-term care following hospitalization
Why Fall Prevention Awareness is Necessary
Our bodies’ natural abilities evolve as we age, affecting how we move and feel. While those changing abilities can lead directly to a fall, post-fall, the incident can continue to have lasting effects on mood and quality of life. Confidence in self may decrease, and thus daily activities in general may go down. The after-effects of falls can impair vision, medications, cause cognitive impairment, and chronic disease.
Raising awareness among the community is important to help ease the impact on Canadians of all ages, both those at risk as well as their caregivers, and the healthcare industry responsible for giving the best care possible.
Fall Prevention Strategies
The following key strategies were put together by the Public Health Agency of Canada and Finding Balance, a program for older adults and caregivers created by the Injury Prevention Centre at the University of Alberta.
Personal Fall Prevention Strategies
- Exercise regularly to challenge your balance and build strength.
- Get enough sleep.
- Take your time: don’t rush when walking or getting up.
- Balance your body through good nutrition and hydration.
- Get your sight and hearing checked regularly.
- Manage your medications and review them regularly with your pharmacist or doctor as some may make you prone to dizziness and falling.
- Wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes.
- Consider using a cane or other mobility device if needed.
- Maintain proper use of eyeglasses and hearing aids.
Fall Prevention Strategies For Your home
- Make sure you have proper lighting in hallways, stairs and walkways, as well as in the bedroom and bathroom.
- Keep stairs free of clutter and exterior stairs and walkways free of clutter, ice or snow.
- Install handrails along stairs and safety grab bars in the bathroom.
- Check your home for slipping and tripping hazards, and use non-slip mats or rugs.
- Ensure regularly used items are within reach.
For additional tips to keep you safe and independent, try our Bathroom Safety Tips for Seniors.
Not sure if you or a loved one are at risk? For a comprehensive list of signs a senior is at high risk of falling, common medical conditions that increase fall risk, and additional strategies, read our Fall Risks for Seniors piece by Comfort Caregivers Inc.
Your peace of mind is paramount to us, which is why Verve Senior Living always prioritizes your safety and security in all of our senior living residents.
