Falls are the No. 1 cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors. They are also the cause of 95 percent of all hip fractures in older adults. As we enter the winter months with its slippery ice and snow, here are six ways to help protect your loved one from falls. 

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From upstairs, I hear your alarm and the rustling of bed covers as you wake up and begin your day even before the sun has risen. You tiptoe downstairs as to not wake me from my sleep. I smell freshly brewed coffee and an egg frying just for me coming from the kitchen. Slowly, my bedroom door opens and you call out my name softly, “Dad?” I open my eyes and see a weary but smiling woman. You set my breakfast tray down so you can help me sit up in bed, so I can eat my breakfast and take my morning pills. You then guide me to the bathroom so I can get ready for my day. You steady my hand as I shave my face and wash up. You pick out something for me to wear and my favourite hat you know I like. Then, you hurry to get yourself ready for your day: a presentation a work, a bake sale at the kids’ school, etc. 

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In an NPR interview early in his career, Jerry Seinfeld talked about how difficult it was to perform stand-up comedy in front of his parents. When his parents were in the audience, he felt off balance: “In front of your parents – you always want them to have the power.”

Many of us go through much of our adult lives feeling as if our parents or older loved ones are still in charge. It can be destabilizing, scary and difficult to admit power relationships have shifted, and we may have a new role to play. Since it is always different when it is your mom, dad or great uncle Felix, we have compiled some small signs that led people to realize they needed to get help for their aging loved ones.

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“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” – Michael Pollan author of “Food Rules”

Most of us know we should be following Michael Pollan’s deceptively simple rules for eating well. These rules become even more important as we age. Yet, older adults face nutritional challenges for reasons that go beyond food trends and confusing food advice.

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Falls can be serious, sometimes fatal, for older adults. According to the Government of Canada, falls are the No. 1 cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors, and between 20 and 30 percent of older adults fall each year. On average, a senior is hospitalized because of a fall every 10 minutes.

It’s a common belief that falls are just a part of aging – that it’s inevitable seniors will fall. This is not necessarily true because most falls are preventable. Many ComForCare Home Care locations offer no obligation in-home fall safety evaluations and fall risk assessments. Our home safety check evaluates all aspects of someone’s living conditions. A trained professional will look at things such as:

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Having good physical function is important in maintaining independence for older adults. Physical function includes everyday tasks such as the ability to walk around, get up from a chair without assistance or bathe and dress oneself.

Nutrition is a key factor in maintaining good physical function among older adults. A Brigham and Women’s Hospital study that compared diet quality and physical function in over 50,000 women found those who had a healthy diet over the years were less likely to develop problems with physical function as they grew older.

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There is a chill in the air and a turkey in the oven. Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Here are some tips to make your holiday enjoyable for relatives of all ages.

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