Well, with living in Canada comes the inevitable fall. Very few want it but here it is. And, just like today’s topic “falling”: very few want it to happen but it does!
If we were to take a poll I bet there would be a high percentage of us who have fallen in our lives. We do live in a place where it’s pretty slippery for almost half the year! I’ve fallen quite a few times as I used to play sports and skate in my youth. One thing is for sure; I don’t bounce up as well as I used to.
You are probably wondering why I am writing about falling. Here’s a stat for you: “Falls are the leading cause of injury, injury-related hospitalizations and deaths among Canadians aged 65 years and older."
”Yikes! I would have thought it was cancer or heart disease or diabetes, but no, FALLS! 43% of these falls are from walking on any surface, add another 18% from walking on snow or ice. That gives us, that are living in our own homes, reason to be concerned. It could be the catalyst to you moving into a Long Term Care facility – whether you like it or not.
No one likes to be forced into anything so let’s talk about ways we can minimalize this. I hate to start with the obvious: you may have to cut back your alcohol consumption. You may laugh and it may have been reason you may have fallen in the past but as you age it is important to keep this (and other unprescribed drugs) to a moderate intake.
And speaking of medication; ensure you are taking the right dose. I sound like my mother…..Exercise. Do I hear groans? It is important to stay as strong as you can. Talk to your doctor or medical specialist and see what you are able to participate in and then do it! Motion is lotion! You’ll feel and look great!
Footwear. It’s kind of self-explanatory. Get yourself some good, supportive, anti-slip footwear. Ensure your home has necessary aids for you: handrails, lighting, anti-slip mats.
Are you able to get a home safety assessment? Would you like to have some help making things a little safer in your home? Could you use someone to fix a floorboard or replace a lightbulb?
Let Age Friendly know, we can help. And so, you have done all you can do and yet, here you are, on the floor. Do you remember the old commercial that we all used to laugh at: “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up….” Not so funny anymore huh?
If you can, it might be a good idea to get a personal emergency response system. If you can’t afford that, make sure you ask a neighbor, friend or family member to check in on you every day. The quicker you get help the better the outcome.
Please take the time now to assess your situation. Have you arranged everything so that you are as safe as you can be in your home?
Age Friendly is here to help you, give us a call: 780-594-5666 and stay vertical my friends!