Falls Prevention
One third of people over 65 have a fall each year and the risk of falling increases as age rises. These are alarming statistics because falls are the leading cause of injury among older people. Falls can seriously impact independence, resulting in ongoing disability, changes in living arrangements, reduced activity and as a result social isolation and death. In Ontario, falls were the major cause of injury resulting in an Emergency Room visit (59%) and hospitalization (79%) with the North having the highest fall injury rates in the Province.
Falls represent a considerable financial burden on the healthcare system. According to the “Report on Seniors Falls in Canada
The messaging of this website focuses on 7 areas of falls prevention:
-
Awareness of trip hazards in the home
-
How maintaining daily physical activity can improve and maintain balance, strength and flexibility
-
The importance of good vision
-
How good nutrition can assist in keeping strong bones
-
How prescription medications can contribute to falls
-
Supportive footwear can reduce falls
-
A previous fall is a major indicator of a future fall and it should be checked out
