Falls account for 85% of all injury-related hospital admissions among seniors.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 14, 2022 /CNW/ — When you think of medical conditions that might require a hospital visit, a few come to mind: heart attack, cancer, diabetes. However, it’s not easy to think about falls, the number one cause of injury among seniors in Canada.

November is Fall Prevention Month in Canada, an opportunity to raise awareness of this important safety issue affecting seniors. Every year 20-30% of Canadian seniors fall. These falls account for 85% of all injury-related hospitalizations among older adults.1 They can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, loss of independence and even death.

Reducing risks associated with other health problems may seem more natural. For example, think of your loved one avoiding fried foods to reduce cholesterol intake. However, if you understand the risks associated with falls and act proactively, making a real difference can be just as easy.

There are three main risk factors:

Intrinsic Risk Factors — These are body-related factors that can become more pronounced with age. We know that the risk of falls increases with age. Here are some examples :

– Impairments in gait or balance – slow reaction time, shorter stride length or limited range of motion

– Decreased vision or hearing

– Acute illness – symptoms such as fever, weakness, nausea or dizziness

– Muscle weakness and reduced physical capacity – Lack of strength and endurance to prevent a slip or trip from becoming a fall.

Behavioral Risk Factors — These are risks that arise from individual actions or decisions. Here are some examples:

– Auxiliary equipment – ​​proper care and use of equipment is essential.

– Clothing and shoes – shoes that do not provide adequate support, clothing that is difficult to put on, or slippery-soled slippers pose risks.

– certain medicines – side effects that may cause dizziness or confusion.

Environmental Risk Factors — While the other risks are related to the person themselves, these are related to everything around a person. Some studies have shown that 50-60% of falls occur at home2 – it is important to be aware of environmental hazards. Here are some examples:

– Room environment – loose carpets, loose power cords, slippery floors, etc.

– Weather and Climate – Canada experiences freezing temperatures resulting in icy surfaces that increase the risk of slipping.

– Community Hazards — These issues are often related to building design or community infrastructure that does not address the needs of older adults, such as B. the lack of handrails near steps.

Knowing the nature of the risk factors is only half the battle. Here are some practical tips you can follow to mitigate these risks.
intrinsic risk factors

Monitor your health – it’s important to have routine eye and hearing exams every year or two.
Stay active – A regular exercise program can improve overall health, but it can also reduce the risk of falls.

Behavioral risk factors

– Education and awareness-raising – both for older people and their carers to learn more about risks and mitigation strategies.

– Appropriate use of assistive devices – Some seniors are concerned about the messiness or stigma associated with assistive devices, but they are essential to reducing the risk of falls. It is recommended that you seek the advice of your doctor to ensure you are using the most appropriate device.

environmental risk factors

-Safe environment – ​​the only way to reduce environmental risks is to change the environment: e.g. B. Clearing clutter, providing good lighting, removing hazards that may contribute to slipping or tripping

In the event of a fall, it’s important to have the ability to call for help, whether it’s a nearby call button or another person at home who can help.

Doctors and nurses can take additional measures to limit patient falls. During admission, they can perform a fall risk assessment and determine the patient’s needs and physical condition, updating this data as needed. Each intervention can be adapted to the needs of the patient and the risks they face.

Medline can help standardize processes to address key risk factors in falls management. We examine not only fall management, but also safe patient handling and mobility from a holistic perspective. Together, these elements help promote patient and staff safety.

By educating yourself about the risks and strategies to reduce falls, you’re embracing the spirit of Fall Prevention Month. By staying prepared and alert, you can help prevent dangerous falls in seniors and improve their safety.

Publication of the Health Index: 14.11.2022 – Number of visits since publication: 45

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