November is Fall Prevention Month

Fall prevention & dementia

Anyone can fall, but as we age, our risk of falling becomes greater. People living with dementia are at an even higher risk of falling because of changes that occur as the disease progresses.

For people living with dementia, an increased risk of falls may be related to changes with:

• Decreased balance and reaction time
• Perception or visual problems
• Difficulty walking
• Memory impairment
• Decrease in judgment
• Less insight into the environment and situations

This Fall Prevention Month, take an opportunity to learn a few adjustments you can make to your home and lifestyle to stay safe, independent and healthy.

Tips for preventing falls

At home:

• Remove hazards to keep floors clutter-free
• Install grab bars in the bathroom and non-slip surfaces in the tub or shower
• Use a raised toilet seat and a bath seat in the shower, if you need them
• Wipe up moisture or spills immediately
• Use contrasting coloured tape to highlight steps
• Have good lighting throughout the house and install night lights
• Make sure the path is clear between the bedroom and bathroom.
• Store heavy items in lower cupboards
• Move slowly out of your bed or chair to avoid dizziness
• Never rush up or down the stairs — it’s a major cause of falls
• Keep your front steps and walkway in good repair and free of snow, ice and leaves
• Ask for help with tasks that you feel you can’t do safely

Lifestyle & health:

• Eat nutritious meals to keep up strength
• Move your body to build your balance, strength and flexibility with regular physical activity
• Have your hearing and vision checked regularly
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible medication side effects
• Keep up your social connections
• Wear glasses or a hearing aid if you need them
• Consider using a walker or a cane (if you use a cane, make sure it’s the correct height and that it’s rubber-tipped for safety)
• Wear appropriate footwear — comfortable shoes that provide good support can help to prevent falls
• Find & use gadgets that can make your life safer: reachers, anti-skid soles, hip protectors, etc

If you fall:

• Try to land on your buttocks to prevent more serious injuries
• Don’t rush to get up — make sure you are not injured before trying to get up or letting others help you up
• Don’t let the fear of falling again prevent you from being active. Inactivity creates an even greater risk of falling

Check out this resource from the Government of Canada to learn even more tips for preventing falls: You CAN Prevent Falls PDF