Preventing Falls: Tip from the Public Health Agency of Canada

The Public Health Agency of Canada has published a comprehensive Falls Prevention Guide called “You CAN Prevent Falls!” (the guide), to help individuals, especially seniors, stay safe and reduce the risk of injuries caused by falls. The guide points to the need to determine the key cause of a fall, in order to implement the right preventative measure. Below, we have summarized some of the key findings and recommendations highlighted in the guide.

Home Considerations:

• Consider slippery rooms such as the kitchen and the bathroom and ensure that slip-mats, grab bars and other assistive devices and modifications are present to help prevent falls

• Reduce clutter in other rooms to prevent tripping hazards (around the home and outside the home and garden) - consider switching to wireless phones and other devices

• Ensure there is sufficient lighting (especially in stairways, outside of the home) and install night lights for your convenience 

• Consider where there’s a need for additional grab bars (i.e. bathrooms, stairs)

• Consider your kitchen storage layout and if there are things you can store in more accessible cupboards, or move heavier items in lower cupboards

• Consider your movement speed and ensure to remove reading glasses when walking around the home

Health Considerations:

• Eating nutritious meals will help with strength and balance - don’t skip meals as that can cause drowsiness and weakness

• Engage in daily physical activity - it’s your best defence against falls

• Try Tai Chi, walking and other activities that help with body balance and flexibility

• Check in on your hearing and vision regularly 

• Use medication wisely and understand the existing side effects - if a medication is causing you to experience drowsiness, ensure to adjust your activities to avoid any accidental falls

• Consider the use of safety aids and devices - ensure to use them 

To view the complete listing of items in the Public Health Agency of Canada guide, click here.

And if you fall - this is what the guide recommends:

• Try to land on your buttocks to prevent more serious injuries. 

• Don't rush to get up. Make sure you are  not injured before trying to get up or letting others help you get up. 

• Don't let the fear of falling again prevent you from being active. Inactivity creates an even greater  risk of falling.

Thank You for reading!