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A fall can have disastrous consequences on a senior’s health and quality of life. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care reports that falls are one of the leading causes of preventable injury among seniors in Ontario. Preventing falls will result in fewer visits to emergency rooms, hospitalizations, or institutionalization.
Robin Hurst, a Registered Nurse and specialist in Seniors and Mental Health at Saint Elizabeth, says that most falls occur in the senior’s home, especially in the bathroom. “Environmental factors are a major contributor to falls,” says Hurst. “Many seniors fall due to tripping over clutter, pets or tubes from their oxygen tanks. I have also seen cases where at-risk seniors have fallen because they did not use their walkers.”
Certain health conditions can increase a senior’s risk of falling, including general weakness, balance problems, or taking more than four medications. Parkinson disease, strokes, heart disease and low blood pressure may also put a person at risk for falling.
Hurst recommends that seniors and their caregivers follow the STOP technique to prevent falls in the home – Scan, Talk, Organize, and Prevent.
Scan: Look around and identify any potential safety hazards both inside and outside your home.
Talk: Discuss your concerns with your health care professional and inform them of any potential hazards you have identified. Have your pharmacist review your medications for any risk of falling. Don’t be afraid to ask for help to make your home safer. Make your falls prevention plan today!
Organize: Make sure your house is clutter free, and remove rugs that do not have a rubber backing. Ensure that you have adequate lighting in your hallways and bathroom. Remember to keep your hands free so you can hold on to stair railings.
Plan of Action: Put your safety plan into action and reassess it every six months.
