Fall Prevention Month
November is Fall Prevention Month in Canada, a campaign to raise awareness about fall risks and injuries. This blog article will cover common causes of falls, tips to avoid them, and what to do after a fall.
What Causes Trips and Falls?
Falls are the leading source of injury-related hospitalizations among seniors (65+) in Canada. Every year, 20-30% of seniors will have a fall. Common causes of falls are:
Environmental: poor lighting, loose rugs, clutter, slippery conditions etc.
Physical: weak muscles, poor balance, medical conditions, medications, lack of sleep and poor nutrition
Tips to Avoid Falls
Most falls can be prevented. Here are 5 helpful tips:
Talk to a Medical Professional
Discuss concerns with your family doctor, review medications, and assess underlying issues that could lead to future falls.
Book an appointment for a hearing and vision check-up.
Consult an occupational or physical therapist to discuss strategies and exercises to help prevent falls.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Good sleep and proper nutrition not only help improve overall health but also reduce the risk of falls.
If you are a resident at Green Acres Foundation, check out the activities at our senior communities. Walking clubs, balance classes, and Tai Chi are all great activities to improve mobility and boost confidence. Building muscle gradually is important, as fatigue and over-exertion can lead to injury.
Assess Your Environment
Outdoor: be cautious of the weather conditions outside. Check that walkways are clear of obstacles, snow, and ice.
Indoor: Clear clutter, improve lighting, add non-slip mats to areas that have potential to be slippery (e.g. bathroom and kitchen), and adjust furniture layout to create clear walking paths.
Proper Footwear and Clothing
Make sure shoes fit correctly. They should not slide or pinch, and they have good traction to grip walking surfaces.
Make sure clothing fits properly. Long, loose clothing can drag on the floor and catch objects, while tight clothing can limit mobility.
Assistive Devices
Mobility aids such as walkers and canes can help with balance. Check out our blog here for walker safety tips.
Install sturdy rails where falls are more likely to occur, such as the bathroom and stairs.
If needed, install raised toilet seats and shower chairs
What To Do After a Fall
Even if all precautions are followed, accidents can still happen. In the event of a fall, stay calm and take a moment and assess your situation, as panicking can lead to further injury. Check if there is any pain or discomfort. If you suspect a serious injury or have difficulty moving, call for help immediately. Consider purchasing a medical alert device with fall detection to make getting help easier.
If it is safe to do so, follow the fall recovery tips from the Government of Canada here to slowly get up.
Take Control
Don’t let the fear of falling prevent you from living an active lifestyle. Take control of your life and do what you can to prevent falls. Check out our resources below to learn more.
Resources
https://www.fallpreventionmonth.ca/
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/get-up-by-yourself-fall-prevention.aspx