Health Care in Canada: Fall Prevention for Seniors

Did you know that a decrease in muscle mass and muscle tone, and multiple chronic illnesses, lead to an increase in falls as we get older?

One in three seniors will have a fall this year. Forty percent of these falls will result in hip fractures. Hip fractures cause pain and suffering and may lead to permanent disability. Did you know that it is the leading reason for admission to Long Term Care? Making some minor changes in your lifestyle and home environment can greatly decrease the risks of falls.

What can you do for yourself?

Have your eyes checked to ensure your eyesight hasn’t changed
Have your hearing tested
To ensure that there are no drug interactions, have your physician review your medications
Avoid taking sedatives, sleeping pills and antidepressants which can cause drowsiness
Blood pressure medications can cause dizziness. A simple solution is to try to avoid changing position quickly from sitting to standing.
Exercise to maintain muscle and bone strength
Eat nutritious food and drink plenty of water
Take a vitamin supplement especially for seniors
Have you been having falls? It may be the right time for a cane or walker. These come in all shapes, sizes and fashion colours.

What can you do in your home?

Be aware that most falls occur in the bathroom or kitchen
Arrange furniture to have easy access to doorways, the bathroom and telephone
Ensure that hallways and stairways are well lit
Have a night light to help find the bathroom at night
To prevent slipping, mats and carpets should have a rubber backing
Place wires and cords along walls to avoid tripping over them
Most frequently used kitchen items should be within easy reach
A rubber mat in the bathtub prevents slips. Need an extra hand getting in and out? Rails will do the job.
When alone avoid climbing ladders and stools
If possible have a medic alert system with an alarm button on your person. In the event of an emergency, help is just minutes away.

These are some of the choices you can make to remain safe, independent and in your own home.

Article submitted by Yvonne Griggs, Director, Best Nursing Agency. For more information on Best Nursing please call 905.524.5990 or contact Yvonne by email.

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