Preventing Senior Falls and Related Injuries

Senior Safety  |  October 12, 2021

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC, Needs to Know About Fall and Injury Prevention

Preventing Senior Falls | According to estimates, one in every three older adults over 65 sustains a fall each year. While falling may not be particularly hazardous for some, the effects of falls are often disastrous for seniors. Fractures and internal injuries are the main causes of long-term hospital admissions in Canadian seniors and can be fatal.

Preventing Senior Falls: Why Are Older Adults More Affected?

The risk of experiencing a serious fall-related injury increases with age. Proneness to falls can be attributed to biological changes such as muscle weakness, mobility issues, vision loss, chronic conditions, and physical impairments. Then there are prescribed medications whose side effects are known to affect balance and gait.

Behaviour also plays a strong role when it comes to falls. Many seniors are accustomed to keeping up with their routines and attempt strenuous and unnecessarily risky tasks. Climbing a ladder to dust ceilings, hanging draperies, pruning trees, or shoveling snow are just a few examples of how falls happen.

Additional factors that put seniors at a higher risk of falling can be associated with poor lifestyle habits. Inadequate diet, a lack of physical activity, and alcohol abuse are some unhealthy habits. Lastly, environmental factors such as dim lights, uneven flooring, and a lack of handrails in the home are also major fall risks.

Preventing Senior Falls

The best strategy for reducing falls is to raise awareness. Introducing certain fall-proofing modifications to boost safety in the home can help. Family caregivers and elderly loved ones need to learn more about fall risks and how to eliminate them.

As a primary caregiver, you can help by encouraging your loved one to:

• Stay physically active and adopt a light exercise regimen that focuses on mobility, balance, and coordination
• Eat well-balanced meals and stay hydrated throughout the day
• Visit their physician to review medications and identify those that may cause dizziness or impair senses
• Avoid alcohol
• Schedule regular checkups and eye exams
• Use canes or walkers both inside and outside their home

In addition to this:

1. Inspect and fix loose carpets, rugs, clutter, or anything else your loved one may trip over.
2. Consider adding safety features such as grab bars, railings, or additional lighting fixtures in the bathroom and where necessary.

The Best Senior Home Care Provider in Victoria, BC, is Comfort Keepers®

Firstly, if you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. We offer senior care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria Provides In-Home Elderly Care Services

Aging in place means keeping seniors happy and healthy at home. Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers provide seniors with the highest quality of life possible. In particular, our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria In-Home Caregivers Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit. Our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. 

Senior Homecare in Victoria, BC

Our unique services offer families respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care. To learn more, contact the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is Proud to Provide Senior Care and Home Care Services to Keep Seniors Safe in Their Homes

If you are searching for home care near you, we can help! Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for Victoria and surrounding areas. Service territory includes Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families

Comfort Keepers® Victoria has achieved Exemplary Standing accreditation from Accreditation Canada. This accreditation, a rigorous evaluation of organizational processes, policies, and procedures against established quality standards by industry experts, signifies that Comfort Keepers’ offices have successfully met or surpassed the stringent benchmarks for Home Care companies as defined by Accreditation Canada.

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