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What Causes a Fall?
People fall due to a number of reasons known as risk factors. Some risk factors are:
- Nutrition
- Balance
- Age
- Vision
- Strength
- Medication
- Stroke/ Parkinson’s
- Risk Taking
Some risk factors cannot be changed. For example, you can’t change your age, some medical conditions and medications. So, you need to learn how to prevent falls in spite of these risk factors.
Take Action to Prevent Falls
- Stay Active: Stay active to improve your strength and balance. Aim for some form of exercise (it doesn’t have to be strenuous) at least five days a week. Be Safe. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting something new. It doesn’t matter what age someone is; the body will get stronger if you are active.
- Review your Medication: As you age your health needs may change, you may take more than one medication or supplement to stay healthy. It’s important to review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist. As you age your health needs may change, you may take more than one medication or supplement to stay healthy. It’s important to review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Check your Vision: Visit your eye doctor every year for a complete eye exam. Discuss your eye health and changes to your vision.
- Pay attention to your surroundings: Use bright lights inside your home. Use motion-sensing lights outside if possible. Install grab bars for your tub, shower & toilet. Use equipment such as walkers/ canes, mobility aids and grabbers/ reachers if applicable.
Why Winters Pose a Threat
- Winter weather can put us all at higher risk for slips, trips, and falls.
- Slick surfaces created by rain, sleet, and snow can be especially hazardous to older adults.
- In Canadian winters, older people fall 20% more often after a freezing rain alert.
Practical Tips for Winter Fall Prevention
- Choose your footwear carefully: Make sure the shoes are well-insulated, waterproof, light-weight, wide low heels, and have thick non-slip tread soles made of natural rubbers.
- Do the Penguin Walk: Bend slightly and walk flat-footed. Point your feet slightly out. Watch where you are stepping. Take short, shuffle-like steps. GO SLOWLY.
- Why you step out: Always use handrails on stairs & ramps. Carry a phone. Wear appropriate shoes. Stay warm.
Stay Independent. Prevent Falls.
- Many falls are preventable
- Take action to prevent a fall
- Identify your risk factors & make a plan with Live Peace 24/7 Senior Care Corp.
- Tell your healthcare providers if you have fallen
Live Peace 24/7 serves across all cities in Greater Vancouver: Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Delta, New Westminister, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody.
