Senior Home Safety – Reducing the Risk of Falls

Falls  |  August 9, 2018

What Every Senior in North Vancouver and West Vancouver Needs to Know About Fall Risk Reduction

Senior Home Safety | One of the greatest threats to senior well-being and quality of life is falling. In fact, falls represent the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries of Canadian seniors. Here are a few key facts to highlight not only how pervasive falls are among this age group, but the toll they take:

• Falls account for more than half of all injuries among seniors.
• Every 13 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 20 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.
• 87 percent of all fractures in the elderly are due to falls. Two-thirds of those who fall will do so again within six months

In addition to the physical and financial impact, the dread associated with falling can be enough to immobilize some older adults, making them afraid to do much of anything. And for those who already experience feelings of loneliness and isolation, fear of falling can often make matters worse. But fear should never get in the way of quality of life, even when it comes to falls in the home.

Although there are several factors involved in senior falls, one of the most significant is the hazardous nature of their living environment. Obstacles such as loose rugs, poor lighting, and the absence of handrails all pose a serious threat. Fortunately, these factors can be controlled. With a few alterations and additions, seniors can manage their living environment, thus reducing their risk of falling.

Senior Home Safety Tips for Caregivers and Families

• In the Bedroom
  • Ensure that night lights are installed so that there is adequate illumination.
  • Keep an easy-to-use light source, such as a touch lamp, within reach of the bed.
• In the Bathroom
  • Install grab bars on the inside/outside of the shower, as well as next to the toilet.
  • Place a non-slip mat in the shower and on all surfaces that may become wet.
  • Install a shower chair or bath bench to reduce standing.
• In the Kitchen
  • Keep frequently used cooking utensils or appliances visible and on the counter or on nearby shelves, to reduce having to get them out of the cupboards.
  • Install non-slip rubber mats to allow for secure footing.
• In the Hallways
  • Eliminate any form of clutter (boxes, newspapers, shoes, etc.) so that pathways are clear.
  • Remove small throw rugs that may cause tripping.
  • Ensure carpeting is firmly secured to the floor.
  • Install nightlights to provide ample illumination.
• Other Considerations
  • Move any electrical cords away from walking paths.
  • Install a second handrail on staircases to allow for additional balance support.

Senior Home Safety and Other Ways to Reduce the Risk of Falling

In addition to safety precautions in the home, there are lifestyle changes that seniors can make to reduce their risk of falling. First and foremost, it’s important to stay physically active. While this may seem counterintuitive and likely to result in a fall, frequently engaging in a safe, structured regimen will increase strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. Always check with your physician before embarking on an exercise program.

Seniors should also receive regular eye examinations. Since even the smallest change in eyesight can change visibility, they must have the correct prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Finally, medications should be reviewed with a physician to evaluate side effects and their chances of contributing to falls.

Even the idea of falling is frightening to older adults and family caregivers alike. But as mentioned, this fear should not stop seniors from leading fulfilling, independent lives. Observing safety precautions in the home and making the necessary changes are important first steps in getting back on track, but there may come a time when seniors need additional support.

The Best Senior Home Assistance Care in North and West Vancouver is Comfort Keepers®

Our senior home care agency offers in-home care focusing on aging in place. Our services include dementia care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, and palliative care. Comfort Keepers can assist seniors with living transition services, personal care, companionship care, and more! 

Quality and Accredited Elderly Care: Happier, Healthier, and at Home with 24/7 Senior Care Opportunities!

Do you need a home care solution for yourself or a loved one? Have you been thinking about retirement homes and their alternatives as a solution? Comfort Keepers® enables seniors to maintain happy, healthy lives in the comfort of their own homes. In-home care services are available in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and the surrounding areas.

Comfort Keepers® is a Senior Care Agency That Can Make a Difference with Interactive Caregiving™

Our in-home caregivers ensure our senior clients have the best quality of life. The Interactive Caregiving™ program ensures that a senior’s safety, nutrition, mental well-being, and everyday needs are met. This program brings joy and good health to each client’s home.

Comfort Keepers® North Vancouver and West Vancouver Can Help with In-Home Elderly Care Services!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of a loved one we can help! Comfort Keepers offers 24-hour care and delivers top-quality and compassionate care for seniors.  We are dedicated to safety technology solutions that foster independence and enhance well-being.

Locally Owned and Operated Home Health Care Agency

Our care centers around companionship for seniors. Empathetic care originates from the soul and allows us to meet our client’s requirements. The seasoned in-home caregivers employed by Comfort Keepers are carefully chosen based on their empathetic qualities.  

Contact the Comfort Keepers® North Vancouver and West Vancouver office at (604) 998-8806 to learn more about our unique in-home care solutions for seniors.

Comfort Keepers is an Accredited Senior Care Agency in North and West Vancouver, BC

Accreditation is a rigorous process that involves industry experts evaluating an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures. Comfort Keepers® North and West Vancouver has been awarded Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada. This achievement recognizes that Comfort Keepers® meets or exceeds the stringent quality standards for Home Care companies established by Accreditation Canada. 

References:

Veteran Affairs Canada. ”Fall Fact Sheet”.  Web 2018.

National Institute on Aging. “Fall-Proofing Your Home.” Web. 2018.

National Council on Aging. “18 Steps to Fall Proofing Your Home” by Scott A. Trudeau. Web. 2016.

National Council on Aging. “Fall Prevention Statistics.” Web. 2018.

WebMD. “Aging Well: Making Your Home Fall-Proof” by Healthwise Staff (Reviewed by Anne C. Poinier, MD and Elizabeth A. Phelan, MD, MS. Web. 2015.

AgingCare. “How to Prevent a Senior from Falling” Web. 2018.

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