HOW TO PREVENT ONE OF THE MOST CATASTROPHIC EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF A SENIOR.

The Facts about Falling

• Falling is one of the greatest fears among seniors
• One in three older adults living at home falls each year (this considers only those falls that result in reported medical care)
• Falling is a cause in 70 % of accidental deaths among people 75 years of age and higher
• The individual, caregivers and families are all impacted by a fall
• Falling is a catalyst for 40 % of all nursing home admissions
• Fear of falling leads to lost confidence and increased inactivity
• Most falls could have been prevented

Why do we fall?

One of the greatest fears among seniors is the fear of falling. This fear is not an irrational fear. Falling is a primary catalyst for hospital admissions among seniors. Many of the seniors admitted to a hospital after a fall, never go home. In fact, falls are responsible for over 40 % of nursing home admissions. Even worse, 70 % of accidental deaths in people over 75 years of age are caused by falls. Falling can be caused by many factors. Some are internal, such as slowed reflexes, balance disorders, low blood pressure, visual deficits, etc. Other causes are external factors such as poor lighting or the effects of medications. Some of these reasons are not particular to seniors. In fact, younger people also fall, but the consequences of falling are much less severe for younger people.

What can you do?

There is much that can be done to prevent debilitating falls. The first step is to make an honest assessment of the risk you have.

If you score higher than a six (6) on the self-assessment below, then you should take advantage of our Risk Assessment Interview. This interview is conducted in your home, with your family present. Included with the interview is a Home Safety Inspection. Based on the assessment we will recommend a course of action.

Fall Risk Self-Assessment

This questionnaire is intended to provide you with an indication as to your level of risk for having a debilitating fall. In each section, assess yourself based on the options provided and then simply fill in the score for the option you've chosen in the space on the right. After scoring each section,add all of the numbers up for a total.

It is suggested that you seek additional assistance if you have scored six (6)points or higher.

What You Can Do

Consider the following ways to reduce your risk of falling at home

• Tell your healthcare provider if you have fallen in the last year and describe how you fell
• Talk to your doctor and pharmacist about medications you take
• Tell your healthcare provider if you feel weak in your legs or have other problems with your legs or feet
• Tell your doctor if you are experiencing vision or hearing loss

Call us to perform

• A Risk Assessment Interview as well as outline ways to minimize your risk
• A Home Safety Inspection to assess overall safety as well as things such as lighting, flooring and furniture placement

Contact us to arrange a time for us to properly assess your situation:

Phone #: 519-984-HOME(4663)
Our Fax: 519-730-0319
Our Email: care@amyshelpinghands.ca