Factors known to increase the risk of falls and fall-related injuries in seniors include:
Advanced age
Gender (females are at higher risk)
Chronic and acute illnesses, such as the effects of a stroke, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, heart disease, incontinence or acute infection
Poor eyesight, poor hearing, reduced sense of touch and proprioception, which is the ability to know the position or movement of a body part without looking
Mobility problems, including slower reflexes, muscle weakness, poor balance and poor posture
Changes in mental alertness caused by cognitive impairments, depression, delirium, side effects of medications, alcohol use, poor nutrition, dehydration or lack of sleep
Taking multiple medications, particularly those known to increase your risk of falling such as antidepressants, tranquilizers and antihypertensives
Indoor risk factors include:
Poorly lit stairs, ramps or doorways
Stairs with irregular step width or height
Stairs without handrails or marking on the edges
Lack of grab bars in bathrooms
Slippery floors, throw rugs, loose carpets
Raised sills in door jambs
Floors cluttered with objects like cords, pet dishes or newspapers
Low toilet seats
Poorly maintained or improperly used mobility aids and equipment
Outdoor risk factors include:
Uneven sidewalks or cracks in sidewalks
Stairs without handrails or marking on the edges
Poor lighting
Objects on sidewalks or walkways such as bike racks or garbage cans
Snow or ice on stairs or walkways
Unmarked curbs or corners without curb ramps
Long crosswalks without pedestrian islands
Risky behaviours include:
Climbing ladders or using a chair in place of a step stool
Too much alcohol
Not using walking aids or not using them properly
Wearing loose fitting shoes or shoes with thick soles, or changing from one shoe type to another
Using heavy, awkward handbags affecting balance
Not using walkers and canes when needed, or not using them correctly
Social and economic factors include:
Living alone
Lack of social networks
Not enough income to maintain good health
Poor diet
Lack of access to health care services or health information
Do not use throw rugs or scatter mats. If you do use them, use a non-skid backing and make sure they are not in high traffic areas, or at the top or bottom of stairs.
Avoid using wax on floors. If wax is used, use non-skid wax.
Make sure you have non-slip surfaces on stairs, balconies, porches and patios.
Make sure all traffic areas are clear of telephone or electrical cords and other obstacles, like parcels.
Make sure your home is well lit including all stairwells, porches and balconies.
Be aware of any raised doorsills.
Watch that your pets are not under foot.
Stairs and Outside Steps
Make sure you have light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs and that the stairs are well lit.
Make sure your stairs are in good repair and free of clutter.
Make sure runner mats, carpeting or other floor covering on your stairs are well fastened.
Make sure there are solid handrails or banisters on both sides of the stairway.
Make sure the steps have a non-skid surface.
Bathroom
Use a rubber bath or shower mat, or a non-slip surface in your tub or shower.
Install grab bars by the toilet, bathtub and shower.
Use a bath seat so you can take a shower or bath sitting down.
Kitchen
Place items within easy reach.
Use a stable step stool with a safety rail for reaching high places.
Bedroom
Make sure there is a light switch near your bedroom entrance and a lamp or light switch near your bed.
Place night lights in the halls in case you get up in the middle of the night.
Make sure there is a clear path from your bed to the bathroom.
Have a phone near your bed.
Sit on the edge of your bed for a minute before getting up after a rest.
Public areas are not always designed with older pedestrians in mind. You can
protect yourself by being aware of the most common ways to fall and how you
can prevent falls. Actions you can take to lower the risk include:
Make a note of the location of any hazards and report them to the local authorities.
Consult a physiotherapist on the best use of mobility aids and safety devices, such as a cane with spiked ends or shoes with ice grips.
Avoid rushing or carrying too much.
Wear footwear with good support, and with soles that have non-slip treads and are not too thick.
Maintain an active and healthy lifestyle through exercise, good nutrition, regular physical checkups, and eye and ear exams.
Be socially active by joining a community group and getting together with friends or family.
Have your family doctor or pharmacist do a regular review of your medications.
If you do fall, talk with your doctor to rule out any medical problems that may have caused the fall.
One-third of people aged 65 and over will fall at least once each year.
Falls are the most common cause of injury and the sixth leading cause of death for seniors.
Canadians spend about $3 billion a year on medical care for fall-related injuries to seniors.
Women are three times more likely than men to be hospitalized for a fall-related injury.
40 per cent of falls that require hospitalization involve hip fractures.
Half of the people who have a hip fracture never regain their pre-fall level of functioning.
Almost half of admissions to long-term care facilities are fall-related.
Most falls occur in seniors' own homes, while doing their usual daily activities. However, up to 40 per cent happen outdoors and in public places.
Falls usually happen because of the combined effects of a number of factors, such as a loss of balance, side effects of medicine, impaired vision or mobility, and environmental hazards.
Many seniors are afraid of falling and restrict their activities. This can increase their risk of falling because of muscle weakness, joint stiffness and poor balance.
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