Fall Prevention: Small Changes That Can Help You Stay Safe and Independent

Written by Janet Helm, Realtor® Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)  Canadian Certified Seniors Representative (CCSR)

Fall is a beautiful time of year, but it is also a good time to take a fresh look around your home and consider how you can make it safer.

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults. In British Columbia, 1 in 3 older adults experience a fall each year, and about 10 to 15 percent of those falls result in serious injuries such as broken bones.

The good news? Many falls can be prevented.

Fall prevention is not about giving up the things you enjoy or making your home feel clinical. It is about identifying potential risks and making small changes that can help you remain active, confident and independent.

Start with your home

Most falls among older adults happen at home. That makes your home a great place to start.

Walk through your home with fresh eyes. Look for anything that could cause you to trip, slip or lose your balance.

Consider:

Clear the pathways. Remove clutter, electrical cords, shoes, boxes and other items from walking areas.

Take a second look at area rugs. Loose rugs can be a tripping hazard. Remove them or make sure they have a secure, non slip backing.

Improve the lighting. Make sure hallways, stairways, entrances and bathrooms are well lit. Night lights can be especially helpful between the bedroom and bathroom.

Make stairs safer. Keep stairs clear and make sure handrails are sturdy. Ideally, handrails should be on both sides of the stairs.

Make the bathroom safer. Non slip mats, grab bars and a shower or bath seat can make a significant difference.

Keep everyday items within easy reach. Frequently used dishes, food, clothing and other necessities should not require climbing or stretching.

And one important reminder: never use a chair as a step stool. If something is out of reach, ask for help!

Don't forget the outside of your home

Fall prevention extends beyond the front door.

As we move into fall, wet leaves, rain, moss and slippery pathways can create additional hazards. Check walkways, stairs and outdoor surfaces regularly.

Look for:

• Cracked or uneven pathways
• Loose gravel
• Garden hoses across walkways
• Overgrown plants or branches
• Poor lighting
• Slippery leaves or other seasonal hazards
• Outdoor stairs without sturdy handrails or non slip surfaces

If a job requires a ladder, ask someone to do it. Your safety is more important than getting that last bit of fall maintenance finished yourself.

Keep your body strong and your balance challenged

Your home is only part of the equation.

Strength, balance and flexibility can all help reduce your risk of falling. Walking, strength training, water based exercise can help improve strength, balance and coordination.

If you are worried about falling or have already had a fall, talk with your healthcare provider or a qualified exercise professional before starting a new exercise program.

Review your medications and vision

Some medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness or unsteadiness, particularly as our bodies change with age.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medications regularly, including prescriptions, over the counter medications, vitamins and supplements.

Vision is important too. Regular eye examinations can help identify changes that may affect your ability to see obstacles, steps and changes in surfaces.

Wear shoes that support you

Your footwear matters.

Choose well fitting shoes with good support and non slip soles. Avoid walking in socks on smooth floors and be cautious with slippers that are loose or have little support.

A fall is worth talking about

Sometimes people feel embarrassed after a fall and simply move on.

Don't.

A previous fall is one of the strongest indicators of future falls. If you have fallen, or even had a few close calls, tell your healthcare provider. Understanding what happened can help identify ways to reduce the risk of it happening again.

Fall prevention is part of planning ahead

For many older adults, the goal is to remain safely in their current home.

That does not necessarily mean making major renovations or making your home look different. Sometimes it is as simple as improving lighting, removing a rug, adding a handrail or moving frequently used items to a more accessible location.

And sometimes a home assessment can identify changes that you may not have noticed yourself.

A safer home today can help support independence tomorrow.

Take the next step

HealthLink BC has a Home Safety Checklist that can help you walk through your home and identify potential fall risks. There is also a Staying Independent Checklist to help you assess your personal risk.

Explore HealthLink BC's fall prevention resources

If you are concerned about a fall, your balance, medications or your ability to safely manage at home, speak with your healthcare provider. You can also call 8 1 1 in British Columbia for health information and guidance.

A little prevention can go a long way toward helping you stay safe, confident and independent at home.