Slips, Trips and Falls
Facts about falls
- While falls can happen to anyone, they are common in older adults and the effects can be more serious
- Falls are the leading cause of injury-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations and deaths among older adults in Waterloo Region
- In 2023, an average of four older adults in Waterloo Region were hospitalized each day due to a fall
- Falling is not a normal part of aging and most falls can be prevented
- Everyone has a role to play in preventing falls including older adults, caregivers, family members, and friends
Tips to prevent falls
Use these tips to avoid a fall and to maintain your independence.
Eat a variety of healthy foods each day |
Good nutrition will help maintain your strength, co-ordination and mobility.
For more information, visit www.unlockfood.ca |
Exercise daily |
Regular exercise builds strength and improves balance.
To learn how you can be safe this winter and keep active all year long, watch the Walk like a Penguin video. For more information, visit the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults (65 years and older) |
Make your home safer |
Half of the falls causing hospital stays happen at home.
|
Understand your risk of falls |
Know what factors might be increasing your risk of falls. Use the Assess Your Fall Risk checklist to identify personal risk factors for falls and discuss these risk factors with your healthcare provider. |
Get your vision and hearing checked regularly |
Vision and hearing play a vital role in balance and movement.
|
Know the medications you are taking |
As people age, you may be taking more medications for different reasons. Sometimes medications can have side effects that increase your risk of falling. For example, some can cause dizziness, reduce your balance, make you feel drowsy, slow your reaction time, and even impact your vision.
|
Use safety aids |
Use devices that can help to keep you safe and active.
You may be eligible for financial help to pay for safety aids. To find out more, visit the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Assistive Devices Program. |
Resources
For more information about preventing falls, visit:
Related information can also be found on the following pages:
Contact Us