06/07/2021
Prevent Falls "The Big One"!
Many of us have seen a senior in the emergency room or clinic with a black eye or some severe trauma on their face, that may have resulted from a fall. They are fortunate if that is the extent of the injury. Sadly, in most cases it is more severe. This is the "Big One" that is obvious. A Statistics Canada survey, found that almost 67% of falls require hospitalization. Half (50%) of all falls happen in the home. Falls outside the home in most cases prompt bystanders to intervene. Public falls requiring the intervention of strangers usually illicit a dramatic change in your Loved-One's thinking on their safety.
The reality is that your Loved-One may have several minor falls at home. In many cases a Loved One may not have told you that they fell. They may not tell you out of fear of losing their autonomy, or not wanting you to worry about them. Whatever the reason, repeated minor falls with injury may add up to a significant fall requiring hospitalization. The causes of falls can be varied. During a home assessment we find that many seniors reported falling one or more times. However upon discussions with family we usually discover that some causes were, obstacles in the home, forgetting to use a cane or walker, poor diet, medication issues or poor adherence to schedules, and underlying medical issues, to name a few. The key here is "Prevention". Here are some steps you can take:
1) Remove Clutter and obstacles that are obvious hazards.
2) Ensure your Loved-One is eating a balanced diet. There are services that will provide nutritious and
balanced meals for your Loved-Ones, if they are not able to prepare meals.
3) Speak with your Pharmacist about medications your Loved-One is on to identify any potential issues.
4) Keep your doctor informed about changes in your Loved-One's condition.
Finally, seek out fall prevention programs in your area. They teach Loved-One's about exercises, balance, and safe habits. Additionally, some provide tips on How to fall if it cannot be avoided.
Resources for Caregivers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tld7CZT_DmY
http://www.customizedhomecare.ca/services.php