Each year in Canada, one in three seniors will fall at least once. Hip fractures are the most common injuries experienced by seniors who fall.
It's no mystery why we're more likely to fall as we get older. As we age: Our balance, vision, and hearing deteriorate. We're not as strong due to lost bone density and muscle mass.
Seniors fall most often in their homes, while stairs and bathrooms are prime areas. But falls can — and do — happen in every part of the house.
Use this checklist for simple safety solutions.
• Stairs:
o Put handrails on both sides and keep them well lit
o Don't leave anything on them that you could trip over.
• Bathroom:
o Use non-skid mats and grab bars in tub, shower and beside the toilet
o Install non-slip flooring throughout
o Put one nightlight in your bathroom and hallways
• Kitchen:
o Put kitchen supplies where they're easy to reach
o Put heavy items in the lower cupboards
o Use a solid step stool with a safety rail for reaching high cupboards
o Wipe any spills immediately
• Living room and bedrooms:
o Leave lots of space to move around
o Don't use throw rugs
o Eliminate loose electrical cords
• Entranceways:
o Keep clear of clutter
o Have a chair or bench to sit on to change footwear
• Outside:
o Keep all walkways, stairs, and the driveway clear and well lit
o Use sensors for outside lighting
o Always put garden tools and snow shovels away
• General tips:
o Use a portable, cordless phone
o Avoid getting dizzy by getting up slowly from a chair or bed and don’t rush
o Remove your reading glasses when you're not reading
o Keep house well lit and use nightlights throughout
o Get help to do major chores like snow shoveling, raking leaves, mowing the lawn, painting
