Prevent Falls

If you or someone you know has fallen, you are not alone; it is actually very common among older adults.

Preventing falls is an important part of healthy aging.

Transcript

Story opens on older gentleman "Bob" doing some light calisthenics at home

NARRATOR (Authentic, Female)       

"Bob keeps himself fit. For flexibility...

...balance...

...and strength...to prevent a fall.  

 As Bob is working through his seniors' calisthenis, he begins to bend lower...lower...(surprisingly) lower. 

"One in four seniors will fall this year.

It's the leading cause of serious injury for older adults."

Bob's hands touch the ground. And then, he does something that surprises the viewer. Bob elevates into a full handstand and headstand. Music hits crescendo. 

"Preventing falls is easier than...standing on your head.

Keep it simple"

 As Bob returns to normal exercises

"Include strength and balance activities in your day"

"A message from Ottawa Public Health."

LOGO

Falls Facts

In Ontario (2014-2015):

Unintentional falls are the leading cause of injury for Ontarians.

Ontarians aged 65+:

  • Over 250,000 emergency department visits and over 60,000 hospitalizations

Ontarians aged 80+:

  • Over 100,000 emergency department visits and over 85,000 hospitalizations

In Ottawa (2017):

  • 1 in 5 older adults fall in private homes each year
  • Over 2000 fall related hospitalizations for people aged 65+
  • 8200 fall related visits to emergency department for 65+
  • Over 90 deaths each year related to falls for 65+

Anyone can fall. However, as we get older, our bodies change in ways that can increase our risk of falling. The good news is that most falls are preventable.

Taking action to prevent falls is one of the most important things you can do to stay independent, as you get older.

What Can Cause a Fall

People fall for many reasons and if you know your risk factors, you can take action to reduce your chance of falling. 

Some risk factors you can change; for example, you can make changes to your footwear, your home, eating calcium rich food, being more active, etc. Some risk factors cannot be changed; for example, you cannot change your age, some medical conditions and medications. 

A first step is to know what puts you at risk for falling.

Public health units and agencies within the Champlain Local Health Integration Network have adopted this self-screening tool called "The Staying Independent Checklist". 

  • Check your or a loved one’s risk of falling with the Staying Independent Checklist.
  • Discuss your results and report any slips, trips or falls to your health care provider.
  • Think of specific things you can do to reduce those risks.

You Can Prevent Falls is a factsheet to help you make the needed changes to your home and lifestyle to help you stay independent and safe. It includes:

  • A home safety checklist,
  • Tips on how to prevent falls,
  • An action plan to help you decide what you want to change.

What You Can Do to Reduce Falls

Being careful is always a good idea, but it is usually not enough to keep you from falling. There are proven ways to help you stay safe.

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