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.

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 your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care. Our senior care agency offers dementia care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Can Make a Difference with Interactive Caregiving™

Our team of expert in-home caregivers will strive to ensure your senior loved one has the best quality of life possible, bringing joy and good health to their home environment. Our Interactive Caregiving™ program ensures all needs in terms of safety, nutrition, mental well-being, and everyday activities of home care services are met.

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

Have you been thinking about Nursing Homes as a solution? Do you need Home Care in North Vancouver & West Vancouver for you or a loved one? Comfort Keepers® help seniors in North Vancouver and West Vancouver, along with the surrounding areas, to live happy, healthy lives in the comfort of their own homes by providing quality, compassionate care, and safety technology solutions to preserve independence and contribute to a better life.

Moreover, our seasoned in-home caregivers are carefully chosen based on their quality of being empathetic. Our care centers around companionship for seniors. This is the kind of care that originates from the soul and allows us to meet our clients’ requirements. 

Contact the Comfort Keepers® North Vancouver and West Vancouver office to learn more about our unique service offering.

Comfort Keepers®, the premium home care service for Seniors on the North Shore, was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. Achieving the highest available certification in Canada for Accredited Home care services demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in North Vancouver and West Vancouver.

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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