Simple steps to reduce the risk of falls in the home.

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among all Canadians.

One of the most common concerns caregivers have when caring for an elderly parent, spouse or another care recipient, is the risk of a fall. Tripping on a loose rug or a wet floor, muscle weakness or dizziness caused by medications are some of the reasons a fall can happen.

4 steps you can take to help prevent falls in the home

1. Eliminate or reduce tripping hazards:

• Install non-slip mats in the kitchen, hallways and foyer
• Remove loose area rugs from around the house
• Tuck electronic cords out of the way
• Make sure furniture is not crowded together in a way that obstructs people with balance issues or using a walker
• Install handrails on both sides of the stairs
• Install visual contrast strips on stairs
• If care recipient needs assistance climbing the stairs, walk behind them. Keep your hand on their shoulders or on a belt to help them keep their balance
• Talk to an occupational therapist about assistive devices such as a stair lift

2. Eliminate or reduce slipping risks:

• Wipe up moisture or spills immediately
• Use non-skid floor wax
• Ensure your care recipient wears shoes with non-slip soles around the house
• Use non-slip bathmats/pads for inside the bathroom and shower
• Install handrails in the bathtub/shower and next to the toilet
• Use a bath seat or shower chair
• Talk to an occupational therapist about assistive devices

3. Minimize side effects of medication:

• If a medication is causing dizziness, sleepiness or balance issues, there might be an alternative medication available with fewer side effects; talk to your care recipient’s pharmacist or doctor
• Taking certain medications at different times of the day, with or without food, may minimize side effects. Ask a pharmacist or your care recipient’s doctor for advice. For example, your care recipient can take their morning medication after their shower
• Encourage your care recipient to move slowly out of bed or a chair—getting up suddenly can make them feel dizzy

4. Improve mobilization:

• Encourage the person to move to the best of their ability and to do what their health conditions safely allow; even little movements can help
• Chair exercises—do an online search for stretching and movement exercises that can be done from a chair
• Tapping—encourage your care recipient to tap their toes and tap their hands to their shoulders throughout the day
• Your care recipient may be able to do light arm curls using soup cans or other items around the house
• Use at-home therapists to assist with body-appropriate exercises and range of motion activities

For more resources, visit:

Regional Geriatric Program of Ontario at www.rgps.on.ca

Canadian Frailty Network at www.cfn-nce.ca