Did you know that November is Fall Prevention Month? It’s unquestionable that we should all be concerned about our safety every month of the year. However, this month, special attention is brought to the leading cause of injury-related deaths and hospitalizations in Canada. Don’t assume that only older adults are prone to falling. They join children under the age of five as the two groups of individuals that are most likely to be seriously injured by falls.
Needless to say, it’s incredibly important to find ways to protect both our elderly loved ones and our adorable little ones. So, since November is Fall Prevention Month, let’s go over some of the smartest ways to prevent falls for each group.
What can be done to prevent young children from falling?
“A fall can happen in a blink of an eye,” warns the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority on PreventFalls.ca, “The good news is that you can help prevent falls and injuries if you know what puts your child at risk.” It should probably go without saying that it’s mandatory to keep watchful eyes over small children. However, it’s also important to take particular precautions no matter how closely you watch them.
According to the website, the best ways to prevent child falls is to move furniture away from windows, use window locks, use straps on baby equipment and secure TVs and furniture to the wall.
What can be done to prevent seniors from falling?
According to ClosingTheGap.com, slips and trips are the main culprit for falls among seniors. Naturally, many adults in their advanced years often experience battles with balance. Not only may they require such mobility solutions as walkers or wheelchairs to help them remain steady on their feet, they also need to ensure their walking paths are kept clear. Ensure that the floors of your home are completely free of tripping hazards.
That means tucking away all wires, picking up all laundry and even moving certain furniture out of the way. ClosingTheGap.ca also reminds us that seniors may slip and fall due to existing chronic conditions, disabilities or cognitive impairments.
“Biological factors such as nausea, infection, weakness, pain, and dizziness can also put seniors at risk for falls,” notes the site, “One study revealed that infections, in particular Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), were a precipitating factor in 8% of all falls. Essentially, any factor that changes a person’s gait (walking timing, foot placement, etc.) greatly increases their risk for falling.”
Seniors should also wear appropriate footwear.
By “appropriate”, we mean properly fitted, sturdy and with strong, non-skid tread. Although the winter time pretty much makes flip flops and high heels obsolete, it’s imperative to remember that a senior’s shoe selections need to be sensible.
At LifeCare Mobility Solutions, we specialize in offering seniors solutions that will help them to avoid slipping and falling. If you have any questions about the mobility solutions we offer, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
