Fall prevention for seniors

Key takeaways

Falls are a leading cause of injury to older Canadians.
Many falls are preventable by taking proactive precautions.

The danger of seniors falling

According to the Government of Canada, falls:

Are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians – 20 to 30% of experience 1 or more falls each year
Cause 85% of injury related hospitalizations
95% of all hip fractures
$2 billion/year in direct healthcare costs
Can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, loss of independence and even death

50% of all falls that cause hospitalization happen at home. The good news is that falls are preventable, especially those that happen to seniors at home.

Common causes of falling and preventative safety measures

Environmental hazards

There are many situations in the homes of seniors that can become hazards as they age. Here are some examples and how to help solve them:

Tripping hazards such as uneven floors and occasional rugs can be fixed or removed. Clutter can be moved somewhere else or removed entirely. Ramps can replace steps outdoors and indoors. Doorways can be widened to accommodate a walker, cane or wheelchair.
Slips in tubs and showers can be helped by installing grab bars, shower or tub seats, non-slip traction strips, or a walk-in tub.
Falls on stairs or steps may be resolved with better handrails or a stair lift.
Inadequate lighting that may lead to falling can be resolved by higher wattage bulbs or different fixtures. Timers can be used to automatically illuminate areas before they become dark.
Standing and sitting falls may be prevented by power lift recliners that help seniors transition from standing to sitting and vice versa.
Outside slips and falls due to ice and snow may be helped by hiring someone to clear snow and ice when necessary.
Reaching falls can be prevented by moving things to lower shelves so they can be accessed easier, or by providing reaching tools.

Health factors

As we age, there are aspects of our health that can decline and contribute to the potential of having a fall. Let’s look at some and ways to help minimize them:

Poor vision – Ensure seniors continue to get regular eye exams and updated prescription lenses as necessary. Proper lighting can also be important for effective vision.
Mobility – As we age, our strength, coordination, flexibility and balance can decrease, all of which impact our ability to walk. Some chronic diseases such as arthritis can also affect mobility. In addition, mobility issues can arise during rehabilitation from surgeries such as knee and hip replacements.
One strategy to combat decreasing mobility is to continue to be physically active on a regular basis. This includes walking or other cardio, strength training using light weights or strength bands and balance and flexibility training such as yoga.
It’s also important to remember that some medications can cause dizziness that may lead to a fall. Talk with a physician or pharmacist about managing this side effect when it comes to mobility.
Worn or improper footwear may also lead to mobility issues. Getting new shoes or orthotics may help solve this problem.
Providing walkers, canes with appropriate tips, or walking poles can also help prevent falls.

The role of healthcare and support services

The federal and provincial governments provide various programs and services for seniors. Services vary by province and can include financial assistance to pay for assistive devices such as wheelchairs and modifications to a home or vehicle.

To determine what benefits are available in a specific area, use the Government of Canada’s Benefits Finder. There may also be tax credits like the Home Accessibility Tax Credit which can be used.

Seniors who served in Canada’s armed forces may also be eligible to receive benefits for personal care, medical costs or home maintenance.

Provincial and territorial government home care programs

Why seniors need health insurance

If someone doesn’t have healthcare benefits, but does have significant prescription medicine or other health care costs they are paying for out of pocket, it may also make sense to get individual health insurance like Freedom to Choose^TM.

These types of plans can be tailored to cover a range of healthcare needs such as:

Eye exams, glasses, contact lenses and laser surgery
Prescriptions drugs
Physiotherapy, chiropractor visits and massage therapy, naturopaths, dieticians, acupuncturists, and other paramedical services

What’s next?

Seniors and their families should take proactive steps to prevent falls.

The information provided is general in nature and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice in any specific situation. For specific situations, advice should be obtained from the appropriate legal, accounting, tax or other professional advisors.

If you’d like to explore plans and see how much they could cost you, get a quote.