Anyone can fall. But as we age, our risk of falling increases. This can be attributed to a variety of factors including changes in physical and cognitive health, side effects from medications and inadequate diet.

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“When the hospital discharged me, I was told I had to take one medication every two hours and a different medication every three hours. The doctor said I was never to take the two together. I was sobbing in the middle of the night with a pen and paper in my hand trying to figure out this logic puzzle of when I could take my medication. Unsurprisingly, I was back in the hospital within weeks.”

– Evelyn, patient

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According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, safety is the second tier of the pyramid just above the need for food and water. It is defined as “protection from elements, security, order, law, stability, freedom from fear.” When we think of creating a safe environment for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, the focus tends to be on elements of the physical environment that may be dangerous, but we often overlook the psychological aspects of feeling safe.

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In a previous post, we discussed the clinical definition and dangers of hoarding disorder (HD). If you are unsure if your loved one has HD, the International OCD Foundation says the key feature of HD is disorganization to the point where the living spaces can no longer be used for their intended function.

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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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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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Transitions of care can be any transfer your loved one makes between a facility such as a hospital, a skilled nursing facility, an assisted living community or their home. In the 30 days following discharge from a hospital or care facility, the chance of readmission is high.

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