Age can conspire to make even your home a dangerous place.
About a third of people aged over 65 years and who live on their own will experience a fall this year; for those over 85, it will be half. Many of these will incur fall-related injuries from sprains and bruises to wrist and hip fractures.
For those who are hospitalized, their stay will be 40 per cent longer than other admissions. Indeed, falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors in Canada.
Knowing the dangers of falling should prompt us to do what we can to reduce the risk. But planning to replace that little throw rug is probably too late as you are sailing across the kitchen after tripping on it. The time to make changes is before anything happens.
There are two main concerns to understand. First are the personal factors that may lead to a fall. Advancing age is one of the main causes, but not enough in itself.
Poor eyesight and hearing and a reduced sense of touch each make things worse. Reduced mobility, agility and slower reflexes also contribute.
Muscle and bone weakness are part of the problem, but so too can be the effects of drugs. In combination, these can make a fall more a certainty than a possibility.
The second area of concern is environmental. That is, the physical environment of the home where most falls occur. Outside the home is also of concern, but home is where you can make the necessary changes.
Stairs are one place to watch out for. They should be well-lit with switches at both top and bottom, and there should be a solid handrail to use.
Slippery floors are dangerous - either do not wax the floor, or use an anti-slip wax.
And that little rug that's always been there? Get rid of it! Or at least replace it with one that has anti-slip backing (maybe double-sided tape would help).
Clutter can be deadly. Look around and count the many impediments: pet toys and food dishes, electrical cords, knickknacks you will find your own assortment to pick up or move. Some doorways have raised sills - be aware of the danger they pose.
In addition to stairs, the most dangerous room in the home is the bathroom where many accidents occur. Again, good lighting can help, but so too can minor changes. There should be no loose rugs or mats.
Grab bars are easy to add to any existing bathroom. They should be in places like the tub or shower and next to the toilet. These will provide an implement to help with balance, and help you stand. Also in the tub or shower, consider a seat or bench.
This will let you avoid standing for long periods, or sitting too low and making getting up difficult. The tub/shower should also have a non-slip surface, or a bathmat to provide solid footing.
If the toilet is too low, the grab bar will help, but a riser is a great addition, making sitting and getting up simpler and safer.
Knowing how to make your home safer is not a task you have to take on alone. Vancouver Coastal Health has community support workers who can visit your home to assess household risks for falls. They can make recommendations and help you plan for safety.
Dr. Paul Martiquet is the Medical Health Officer for Rural Vancouver Coastal Health including the Sea to Sky.
