How to delay the start of your care-years

It's one of the most common questions seniors ask me and my response always, "Prevent falls! Do everything you can to avoid injuring yourself in and around your own home!"

There is an urgent need for Canadians 65 and over to address this issue since taking action to prevent falls is considered 'a key' to delaying the start of one's care-years allowing seniors to remain living in their own home preferably without using assistive devices!

Falling is the most common fear reported, yet, because seniors don't feel any different than when in their younger years, they often hesitate in addressing fall-prevention strategies in their own homes (a big mistake).

It is my hope then that these facts about seniors-falls in Canada will convince seniors of all ages (who value their independence) and boomers with aging parents (future caregivers) to take action:

- 40% of nursing home admissions occur as a result of falls

- Nearly 50% of falls occur in or around one's own house

- An estimated 65% of falls occur outdoors walking on a familiar route

- Between 25% -75% of seniors' falls involve immediate surroundings (stairs with no contrasting markings for edges, loose rugs, high cupboards, no night-lights, unbundled cords, cracked pathways, even pets)

- Falls resulting in injuries become 9 times greater at age 65 and over

- Falls are a main reason seniors have to go to emergency wards

- 62% of injuries putting seniors in hospitals (11-14+ days) are because of falls (about 40,000-43000 hospitalizations are from falls yearly by seniors still living in their own homes)

- 5% to 25% who fall have a serious injury such as a fracture or a sprain

- Over one-third of injuries are to the hip, thigh, knee, lower ankle, or foot affecting mobility

- Falls cause more than 90% of all hip fractures in seniors and 20% die within a year of the fracture

- There is an increasing number of fall-related deaths -- more than 7,000 seniors died as a direct result of a fall, 1999-2002; stair-falls most severe

- Those living alone, without a spouse, may be at greater risk

- The number of falls increases with age, a female in the 80+ age group is more at risk -- gender is a factor

- Stroke, dementia and diabetes increase the risk of falling and being injured

- Osteoporosis is a factor in falls

- Low blood pressure is associated with 20% of falls

- Acute illnesses may be responsible for up to 20% of falls -- anti-infective meds used and resulting dizziness/fatigue are associated with hospital admissions

- Worsening memory, dementia, is associated with more frequent falls

- Vision problems are a known risk for falls

- Many falls occur when rushing, not paying attention (in familiar areas) or not using one's mobility devices

- Medications can put one at risk especially if taking 5 or more prescriptions due to their interactions

- Use of short-acting benzodiazepines -- prescribed to treat sleep problems/anxiety -- has a greater association with falls especially hip fractures

- Taking psychotropic meds -- prescribed for depression -- appear to cause a twofold increased risk of falls

- Excessive alcohol use by seniors (14 or more drinks/week) is associated with an increased risk

- Footwear (worn soles), clothing (long dressing gowns, trousers) and handbags/grocery bags (altering balance, ability to recover) contribute to falling

- Bone health is affected by vitamin D and calcium amounts -- deficiencies in these and sunlight have been associated with increased risk

- Exercise (to improve balance/mobility -- e.g. tai chi) could reduce the risk and the actual number of falls (the jury is out on brisk walking though)

- Use of emergency call devices can reduce injury complications by ensuring prompt treatment

- Having a previous fall, reducing balance and reflexes, is 'one of the best predictors of a future fall'

Ultimately, each of us must decide if protecting our independence and delaying the start of our care years are important enough reasons to make some changes; however, we also must remember 'to respect the rights of seniors to live at risk'.

For a comprehensive checklist on how to prevent falls in your own home, obtain a copy of the Division of Aging "The Safe Living Guide: A Guide To Home Safety For Seniors, 2007-2008" by telephone 613-952-7606 or go directly to my website, www.longtermcarecanada.com , click on "Information and Articles" then, "Articles of Interest" to read/download the guide. Finally, when thinking about fall prevention, we should keep in mind Martin Luther's apt advice 1483-1546: How soon 'not now' becomes 'never'.

My best wishes, Patty

- Patty Randall, a professional speaker, media commentator and author, is widely considered a leading authority in Canada on all the practical ways to plan for your own or a loved one's care-years. To learn more visit her website www.longtermcarecanada.com or e-mail her at pattyr@telus.net