ANYONE CAN FALL

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ANYONE CAN FALL
Prevent it from happening to you

• Presented by

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What do they have in common?
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Fall Stories
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Seniors falls facts

• 1 out of 3 over the age of 65 and 1 out of 2 over
  the age of 80 will fall at least once a year
• If you fall once, you are twice as likely to fall
  again
• Women are 3X more likely than men to be
  hospitalized for a fall
• Falls are not a normal part of aging

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Ontario seniors injury hospital admissions 2010
Data source Parachute, Electronic Resource
Allocation Tool (ERAT), 2010.
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After a fall you may

• lose confidence
• be afraid you might fall again
• stop going out and doing things you enjoy

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(No Transcript)
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What Causes a Fall?
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Risk Factors
Risk Taking
Home Safety
Stroke Parkinsons
Vision
Footwear
Medication
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Blood Pressure
Medication
Inactivity
Balance
Vision
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Take Action

• Check your medications
• Keep active
• Watch your step
• Speak up about dizziness

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Check your medications

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist

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Check your medications

• Medications include
• prescriptions
• herbal supplements
• vitamins
• over the counter drugs

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Check your medications

• Medications that relax you, help you sleep, or
  improve your mood can increase your risk of
  falling
• Use only 1 pharmacy and never take someone elses
  medications
• Alcohol affects medication be careful

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Take Action

• Check your medications
• Keep active
• Watch your step
• Speak up about dizziness

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Keep active

• Exercise for strength and balance

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Keep active

• Be safe. Talk to your health care provider
  before starting something new
• Aim for 30 minutes every day
• Youre never too old to get active

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Warning

• The greatest health risk for older
• adults is living an inactive life.
• (World Health Organization, 2000)

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Take Action

• Check your medications
• Keep active
• Watch your step
• Speak up about dizziness

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Watch your step

• Wherever you are

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Watch your step

• Pay close attention

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Watch your step

• Have your vision checked every year

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Watch your step

• Check your footwear

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Shoe length is 6 mm (1/4 ) longer than your
longest toe
Back of shoe covers the heel to provide support
and prevent slipping
Laces or Velcro closure allows a snug fit and
allows for swelling

Heel is rounded and wide to give more contact
with the ground
Toe area is deep and wide enough to allow toes to
move
Heel height is 6mm to 2.5 cm (1/4 to 1 high)
Sole has a good grip but does not stick to carpet
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Watch your step
Photos Courtesy of Queensland Stay On Your Feet
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Watch your step

• Install grab bars for your tub, shower, and
  toilet
• Use the right equipment

Photo Courtesy of Queensland Stay On Your Feet
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Take Action

• Check your medications
• Keep active
• Watch your step
• Speak up about dizziness

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Speak up about dizziness

• Tell your doctor and take action

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Speak up about dizziness

• Have your blood pressure checked

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Speak up about dizziness

• Before you get up
• Clench your fists and circle your ankles 10 x
• Rise slowly
• Sit or lie down again if you feel dizzy or
  lightheaded

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Speak up about dizziness

• Stay hydrated
• Eat well
• Check medication that may make you dizzy

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How do I get up if Ive fallen?
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What can I do after a fall?

• Always tell your healthcare provider if you have
  had a fall
• Find out about programs/services in your area
• Telehealth Ontario, 866-797-0000
• Finding Balance website
• http//www.findingbalanceontario.ca/

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Conclusion

• Falls are not a normal part of aging
• Many falls are preventable
• Take action
• Identify your risk factors and make a plan
• Tell someone about a slip, trip or fall

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Questions?