Falls are the most common injury in older adults. The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates 20-30% of adults sustain an injury due to a fall each year. Falls can have debilitating and dire consequences for seniors.They are responsible for 40% of admissions in long term care homes. Ninety percent of hip fractures are due to falls.
There are three main factors which contribute to falls in seniors:
Personal
- Decrease strength in legs
- Decrease balance
- Visual defects
- Cognitive issues
- Symptoms of dizziness
- Abnormal gait pattern
Environmental
- Stairs
- Loose area rugs
- Slippery surfaces
- Shoe wear that is not supportive
Social
- Increased solitude
- Depression
- Medication.Some medication may suppress the central nervous system and may contribute to falls by decreasing alertness and cause slower reactions and movements.
How to prevent falls?
Personal
- Stay physically active and strong. Join a seniors exercise class to help with your strength gains or see a physiotherapist to help get you stronger
- Have your eyes tested for any visual defects
- Use assistive devices such as a cane or walker to steady your gait
- See your doctor if you have concerns about a decline in cognition or dizziness symptoms
Environmental
- Wear non-skid, rubber soled shoes that fully support your feet. Avoid backless slippers at home
- Remove electrical and phone cords from walkways
- Secure rugs with double sided tape, tacks or slip resistant backing or even remove all loose rugs from your home altogether
- Get rid of the clutter on the floor
- Immediately wipe up spills from the floor
- Use non slip mats in your bathtub or shower
- Keep rooms brightly lit and use nightlights in your bedroom, bathroom and hall
- Have grab bars in the shower, tub and next to the toilet
- Put non slip treads on your wooden steps
Social
- Learn about the side effects of your medication and discuss with your doctor an alternative medication if your medication makes you sleepy, dizzy, affects your balance or makes you confused
- See your doctor if you find yourself suffering with depression especially if it is affecting the quality of your life
- Seek out the company of others by joining community events, pick up new hobbies or even volunteer your services to help your community
If you or someone you know is at risk for a fall, our physiotherapists at the Durham Orthopedic and Sports Injury Clinic can help in reducing the risk from falling. Our physiotherapists can help with strength gains, improve mobility and improve balance. The physiotherapist can even assess whether a walker or cane can help improve the stability with walking. Call us now at 905-428-7800.
