Winter weather brings slippery walking conditions and unexpected falls, but with some prevention and planning, injuries can be avoided.
Falls are a common cause of injury for older adults and the main reason seniors lose their independence.
Every year, one in three British Columbia seniors experience at least one fall.
100 Mile House occupational therapist Kaitlynn Dewhirst says about 40 per cent of falls require hospitalization related to hip fractures.
“Hip fractures are the biggest concern and that’s why we want to prevent falls. Breaking a hip just causes so many more health issues that subsequently can compound your medical condition.”
Dewhirst notes there are prevention strategies for avoiding falls.
People need to think about risk factors, she says, adding there’s usually two risk factors involved that cause a fall.
Risk factors
• Eye sight needs to be checked regularly; and target exercise to help strengthen hips, stabilizing muscles and quadriceps strength.
• Check for barriers inside or around the home. Is it well-lit? Are the handrails stable? Are the steps up to building code standards, or is the last or first step a little less or more height – these can cause falls.
Fall-avoidance tips
• Eat foods high in Vitamin D and calcium and/or take supplements to get the recommended daily intake.
• Wear footwear with non-slip tread and add ice-grippers over your footwear when there are slippery conditions.
• Wear hip protectors, which are basically underwear that have pads over the hips, and they help cushion the fall.
• Take a cell phone with you so you can call for assistance if needed.
• Choose cleared sidewalks.
If people need information or about risk factors at their home, Dewhirst says she is available on a self-referral basis and she can visit folks to give a risk assessment. She can be reached at 250-395-7676, extension 5056.
Dewhirst can also help people with canes and walkers to make sure they are fitted properly, so they are less likely to fall.
If people fall in front of you and they’re not able to get themselves back up, Dewhirst says rescuers shouldn’t lift the fallen because it also puts them at risk.
“If the person is unconscious or non-responsive, definitely call 9-1-1. If you have basic first aid and you come across someone who is unconscious, call 9-1-1 and follow your CPR instructions.
“However, [if the people who fell] are coherent and can follow instructions and you don’t think they hit their heads or hurt their spines, verbally cue them to roll onto their sides and then to all fours. It’s important to have something they can prop themselves up on, so they can get up to their feet.”
Dewhirst says folks can pick up the Prevent Falls and Stay on Your Feet handout at the South Cariboo Health Centre reception desk at back of the 100 Mile District General Hospital (555 Cedar Ave).
