At Women’s College Hospital, we are committed to the safety of our staff, physicians, volunteers, learners, patients and community, and that includes falls prevention. The following Falls Prevention Guide is a culmination of the work of WCH’s Falls Prevention Council who reviews all staff and patient falls in the hospital to identify trends, patterns, and root causes in order to make improvement recommendations.
DID YOU KNOW?
– People of all ages can fall, and many falls can be prevented.
– Falls are the leading cause of death due to injury for Canadians over 65.
– Speak to your healthcare provider if you have had a fall in the last 12 months, as it is a significant predictor of future falls.
– Women fall almost 2 times more frequently than men and are more likely to suffer an injury and be hospitalized.
Take extra care in new environments:
- Keep your mobility device within reach, in good working condition and use it.
- If you have glasses or a hearing aid, use them in unfamiliar places.
- Use umbrella bags located near our entrances to minimize risk of wet floors and slippery surfaces.
- When you see a yellow ‘slippery floor’ sign, be extra careful as the floor may be wet.
- If you see anything unsafe at Women’s College Hospital, tell a staff member.
What you can do to prevent yourself from falling:
- Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns about balance and falls. If you have a fall, do not ignore it or blame it on ”just clumsiness or rushing”.
- Stay active. Muscle weakness puts you at greater risk for falls, so exercise and do activities you enjoy. Activities that improve balance and coordination such as Tai Chi are helpful.
- Have your healthcare provider review your medications. Certain medications or combination of medications can make you feel drowsy, unsteady, dizzy or confused. This can increase your risk of a fall.
- Have regular vision checks. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling. Wear your glasses and remove reading glasses when using the stairs.
- Take your time. Slow down and do one thing at a time. Look around and be aware of anything that can make you slip, trip or fall.
- Get adequate Vitamin D. For optimal bone and muscle strength, speak to your healthcare provider for your recommended amount of Vitamin D.
- Use the appropriate mobility device, if you have one. For example, use a single-point cane on icy, winter days.
At Home:
- Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower.
- Install grab bars in your bathroom.
- Always hold the handrail when on stairs.
- Avoid wearing socks without shoes or footwear with an open heel.
- Keep frequently used items between waist and shoulder height.
- Be aware of pets and keep pathways clear of clutter.
- Remove throw rugs or use double-sided tape.
Outdoors:
- Pay attention to curbs, slopes, cracks and different heights in the sidewalk.
- Donʼt use your phone while walking.
- Give yourself enough time to cross roads safely.
- Use a shoulder bag or backpack to keep your hands free.
- Use the handrail and keep your feet hip-width apart to increase stability on public transit.
- When walking for exercise, go to well-maintained side streets or a quiet mall.
Ask your healthcare provider about falls prevention programs and resources in your community.
Download our brochure below: