How To Reduce Your Loved One’s Risk Of Falling At Home in Victoria, BC

Uncategorized  |  August 1, 2019

Falls are one of the biggest safety concerns for older adults in Canada, with over one-third of the country’s seniors experiencing a fall at least once as they age. Falls can, unfortunately, have a serious impact on seniors, ranging from physical disability and chronic pain to severely reduced quality of life and decreased independence. Falls sometimes even result in death!

To help your loved one stay happy, healthy, and independent, it is important to do whatever you can to prevent falls and accidents. In order to minimize the risk of falls, you should first know the most common risk factors for falls, that is, health issues that increase the possibility of falls. These include:

• Muscle weakness
• Cardiovascular disease
• Poor vision
• Parkinson’s disease
• Dementia
• Malnutrition
• Low blood pressure
• Chronic pain
• Pain or insensitivity in the legs or feet

Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to reduce to risk of falls even if your loved one is at a higher risk of falling. Here are some precautions that minimize the chance of falls:

• Eliminate trip hazards – Some of the most common trip hazards at home include stairs, loose rugs, carpets, poorly lit hallways, and clutter. If this sounds like a description of your loved one’s home, the first thing you should do is eliminate these hazards. You can, for example, secure rugs and carpets, install night lights and grab bars, remove clutter, and more.
• Get good footwear – Not wearing proper footwear can lead to falls. If your loved one constantly wears shoes that do not fit properly or are slippery, it is time to go shopping and get them safe shoes with non-skid soles.
• Learn about medication side effects – You should speak with your loved one’s medical team about the potential side effects of the medications they are using. If your parent is taking medications that may cause dizziness or balance issues, discuss alternatives with their doctor or ask for advice on reducing side effects.
• Promote good nutrition and exercise – Eating a good diet and regularly engaging in physical activity can improve physical health, thus reducing the risk of falls.

Many families take precautions only after a fall happens. However, it is important to speak with your loved one and incorporate healthy habits into their routine so they could enjoy a safer, healthier life at home.

If you need help with fall prevention, Comfort Keepers can help your family! For every client we work with, we perform a thorough safety evaluation of their home and propose modifications where needed. Our caregivers can additionally provide assistance with a range of daily tasks, from mobility and personal care over meal prep and housekeeping to supervising doctor-approved exercise regimens and more. To learn more about our home care services, please get in touch with your local office today! We are here for you!

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