Tips for Minimizing Fall Risk for Seniors

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While many people know that fall risk increases with age, did you know that falls are the leading cause of disability among those aged 65 or older? In fact, among seniors and older adults in Canada, 20 percent of deaths are caused by a fall or complications that began with a fall. Statistics also show that almost half of these falls occur in the home.

As a leading provider of Toronto home care, we are constantly striving to make the home as safe as possible for seniors and older adults and wanted to share a few tips about how to prevent falls when caring for an aging loved one.

Home Safety

  • Place a rubber mat inside the bath tub, install grab bars near the tub/shower and toilet, and make sure your loved one can step out onto a nonslip surface.
  • Raise the level of your toilet to help facilitate getting up and down
  • Make sure there is sufficient lighting throughout the house and yard.
  • Install handrails on all stairs for additional support.
  • Keep outdoor walkways and stairs in good repair.
  • Remove objects that are cluttering the floor and push furniture against the wall to open up more space in hallways and walkways.

Diet & Exercise

  • Exercise for at least 30 minutes, 4 days a week. Exercise does not have to be strenuous and could be as simple as stretching at home or going on a walk around the neighbourhood.
  • Dairy products such as cheese, milk and yogurt as well as eggs, salmon and spinach are all packed with vitamin D and calcium which can strengthen bones to help prevent falls.
  • Certain conditions such as diabetes can leave a senior feeling light headed. If your loved one has a specific condition, speak with their doctor about a health and exercise plan that will reduce their risk for falls.

General Health

  • Medications should only be taken if prescribed or recommended by a doctor or primary care physician. Certain medications can cause a senior to become dizzy and can affect one’s sense of balance and awareness.
  • Have regular eye examinations to renew the strength of glasses if necessary.

If you are concerned about your loved one falling at home, consider help from Home Care Assistance of Toronto. Our expertly trained caregivers provide hourly and live-in care in Toronto and Etobicoke and can help with a variety of daily tasks to ensure safety and minimize the risk of falling at home. For more information or to speak with a Care Manager, call 416-488-8777 today.

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