For seniors, falling is a serious concern. A fall usually means a fracture somewhere or a nasty bump on the head and then what we find is a downward spiral.  When a senior falls, we call 911 or help them up and go to emergency and it happens again: a fall, we pick them up and treat them, they fall again, and so on. It’s a significant problem and a concern for families and caregivers alike.

This week (Nov 2-8) is fall prevention awareness week. We want to encourage dialogue on the subject and address ways to reduce the instances of falling. The BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit have reported that falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and hospitalizations for BC seniors.

Falls often occur when a number of risk factors line up.

Contributing Factors:

• Blood pressure drops or spikes
• Blood sugar spikes
• Dehydration
• Balance is off
• Diminished hearing
• Eyesight is failing
• Home may be unsafe
• May be overmedicated

We never want to fall. As family and caregivers, how can we ensure that we stay on top of fall prevention?

Too many seniors are dehydrated. There is a fear of “having to go” all the time by drinking plenty of fluids. Instead of thinking that their bodies are releasing by-products and toxins in the most natural way, staying hydrated becomes a burden. Essential to life, drinking ample water is important for everyone. Fereydoon Batmanghelidj has written extensively on the subject including the book, “Water for Health, for Healing, for Life.”

Medications should be reevaluated regularly. Seniors’ bodies change so easily; their absorption changes and what works today may not work next week. They need to see good geriatric doctors who know and understand the intricacies of an aging body.

Building safe spaces to live is instrumental in fall-prevention. Though somewhat counter-intuitively, downsizing may not be what the doctor ordered. It’s easier for seniors to remain active in an environment that promotes safe, regular activity like moving through a house. Use it or lose it: regular activity helps us age. Osteoporosis can be staved off with activity like walking (3-4 times a week or more) and weight bearing exercises.

A column in the North Shore News last week offered some useful tips, particularly around how to improve safety in the home. For a deeper look at the subject, see Jane John-Nwankwo’s book, “Fall Prevention For Elderly.”

Let’s continue to identify and address fall factors for the seniors in our lives.