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You know your home – the location of the furniture, the placement of the rug, the feeling of the tile as you steady yourself when you get into the bathtub. But are your home and lifestyle protecting you from the risk of falling?
As our age increases, so does our risk of falls. A fall can lead to broken bones, muscle damage, serious wounds and emotional scarring that can affect your quality of life. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, falls are a leading cause of hospitalization (more than 73,000 fall-related hospitalizations took place in Canada in 2008/2009). Half of all falls occur in the home.
By preventing falls before they happen, St. John's Rehab Hospital is combating this growing pressure on the healthcare system and helping seniors live independently for as long as possible.
Funded by the Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), the hospital has introduced a new community falls prevention program to help seniors reduce their risk of falls. This will prevent visits to the emergency room and improve seniors' confidence to live independently.
Our rehabilitation experts visit clients at home to assess the safety of their living environment. We demonstrate everyday tasks, teach people how to prevent falls, and recommend assistive devices, home modifications and other community resources.
Health conditions such as diabetes, dementia, osteoporosis, depression and angina can also increase the risk of falling. Our pharmacists provide education to clients and assess if they are physically and psychologically capable of managing and understanding their medications.
Following their assessments, clients take part in a six-week group exercise and education program to promote a healthy and safe lifestyle. Exercises are designed to improve range of motion and strength and balance, and they are simple enough to repeat at home.
The program is available at no cost to clients. For more information, and referral and eligibility criteria, visit the community falls prevention program on our website.
Despite suffering a serious fall and fracturing both of her wrists nearly 20 years ago, Jule still managed to walk her golden retriever three times a day. In June of last year, she was out for a walk – just like any other day – when she fell and broke her right wrist again.
