Fall Prevention

What Do I Need to Know about Fall Prevention in Canada?

Every year, one in three seniors will fall. Falls are the number one reason for injury-related death, hospitalization and emergency department visits for older adults in Canada.

Falls have a social and economic impact on Canadian communities, seniors and

their families and our healthcare system, economy and nation.

In 2018, falls caused: 5000 deaths, over 95,000 hospitalizations and over

425,000 emergency department visits!

Falls are the origin of 28,000 ongoing disabilities in this country every year: the

impact from a fall can put independence at risk. Over 90% of our members indicate they wish to age in place.

Falls occur for a range of reasons including

Risk factors related to health. A history of falls in the past 6-12 months suggests an increased risk for more falls.
- Some medications can increase the risk of falls
- Peripheral neuropathy, gait and balance impairment and vision changes can increase the risk
1/3 of all falls is due to environmental causes. Over 50% of falls take place inside, often in one’s own home.

How is CARP Advocating?

Education: CARP provides our members with ongoing and updated information on falls prevention through webinars, our website, and social media.

CARP advocates for:

Public education that increases awareness and prevention
Regulations and Standards: CARP has joined forces with the Accessible Housing Network in petitioning for accessible housing in Canada
Services that support seniors to stay active, connected and living safely at home.
The federal government must commit to a national fall prevention strategy that incorporates the perspective of key health and wellness groups, Canadian seniors advocates and older Canadians
Governments should providefunding for home modifications that will prevent falls (see also home and community care)

Check out this online toolkit from Parachute and Partners for Fall Prevention, which includes reading and video resources.

Reduce Your Risk of Falls

Tell others

Vulnerability can be hard to admit, especially if you’re worried about how others perceive your abilities or ability to be independent. But actually, being up front about falls can help you preserve independence. Reporting a fall, especially to your doctor, could help you identify personal or environmental risk factors that could be modified to prevent more falls.

Exercise

Appropriate exercise can help you prevent falls. Use any assistive devices for support, and if you have osteoporosis, consider using hip protectors.

Exercise that helps in fall prevention includes strength and balance (lifting light weights, using resistance bands, Tai Chi and squats), endurance (walking and dancing), and flexibility (Tai Chi, stretching and yoga).

There’s lots of information out there regarding moving in a way that is safe and appropriate for you. You can start with this online toolkit, and if you have any questions or concerns always be sure to reach out to your health professionals.

Check your environment

While your home might seem like your safe haven, it may have overlooked environmental risks for falls. The good news is you can fix many of these.

It’s worth noting that falls in bathrooms and on the stairs are more likely to cause injuries than falls in other locations.

Home modifications can make daily activities easier, enable more independence, and reduce falls and injuries. Some examples include grab bars in bath tubs and showers, higher toilets or raised toilet seats, improved lighting, better handrails, slip-resistant surfacing and more. Getting these modifications right is important. An occupational therapist can support you with a plan that is right for you.

Your Feet and Footwear

Solid and secure footing is essential for balance.

Foot-related problems may increase the risk of falls in older adults. Recently, there has been more research connecting falls to things like foot pain, week muscle strength, poor range of motion in your ankle, and bunions. If you’re worried about your foot health, you may want to see a podiatrist. Podiatrists specialize in taking care of feet, and will assess, diagnose and treat lower limb problems to improve your ability to move. Possible treatments include removing unhealthy tissue, surgery, changing footwear, or orthotics.

In Canada, you don’t need a referral from your doctor to see a podiatrist. And although they are not covered everywhere, podiatric services may be covered, at least in part, by some provincial health plans or by private insurance.

Shoes can also be a problem, especially if they have a high heel, don’t have a strap, or have little contact with the sole of the foot.