Submitted by Carla Berezowski, Certified Aging in Place Specialist
Over 50% of all seniors’ falls happen at home. Home factors such as poor lighting, clutter, areas of disrepair, loose carpets, slick floors, and lack of safety equipment throughout the house and specifically in bathrooms and stairwells can jeopardize a senior’s safety in their home. Falling can be very dangerous – this is especially true for seniors.
Falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians:
- 1 in 3 seniors experience 1+ falls each year
- 85% of senior’s injury-related hospitalizations
- 95% of all hip fractures
- 1 in 3 seniors hospitalized after a fall are sent to long term care
- Result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, loss of independence or death
In addition to physical injuries, a loss of confidence and self-trust can also result. Seniors will often avoid going out and taking part in other activities to try and prevent another fall. The odds of an independent senior moving into care are three times higher for those who have fallen as for those who have not and 40% of admissions to nursing homes are related to falls. Following a fall, seniors often shoulder the blame, regretting they were being careless, not paying attention, or just assuming they are old, and falls “happen”. However, there are many reasons people fall and one of the main hazards are stairs. The other are bathrooms without proper safety equipment.
Stairs can be an excellent exercise and should not be avoided. Tips to stair safety:
- Stairs should be a maximum height of 7” and minimum depth of 11”
- Open backed stairs are not recommended as light can be distracting
- No more than 13 stairs without a landing to minimize fatigue
- Non-slip coating on stairs, carpet needs to be low-pile and securely fastened
- Handrails on both sides of stairs, circumference no more than 6.25”, height between 36-39”
- Lighting is important, bright as possible and auto switches at both top and bottom
- Install contrasting edges on each step for better visibility
- Keep stairs free of clutter
- Be patient – take your time, remove reading glasses, free hands to hold handrail, ensure slipper fit
