Injury Prevention and Home Safety   ​

Safety is important, especially as people age. Physiological changes associated with aging can make the older population more susceptible to injuries. These changes include decreased mobility, slower reflexes, weaker muscles, brittle bones, stiff joints, and impaired capacities, including those of vision, hearing and memory. The elderly take more medications than the general population and are at greater risk of drug-interaction effects such as dizziness and memory loss. 
The good news is that many injuries in and around the home are preventable if you take appropriate precautions and make lifestyle adjustments. A four-step approach is useful: 
  • Step 1:  Recognize the risk
  • Step 2:  Find out all you can about solutions
  • Step 3:  Begin with simple changes
  • Step 4:  Keep working on it
Falls
Each year, thousands of older adults are hospitalized for injuries resulting from falls. In fact, falls are the most common injury sustained by seniors in their homes. The majority of falls occur on stairs or steps. Because of seniors' reduced healing capacity, injuries from falls often result in serious health consequences, and can lead to reduced independence, institutionalization or even death. 
Research supports the important role that fall intervention programs have in reducing seniors' hospitalization rates and their length of hospital stay. Many of these programs address three major elements of prevention -- identifying potential hazards (e.g. a loose rug), taking precautionary measures (e.g. putting a phone by the bed), and modifying 'risky' lifestyle behaviours (e.g. wearing loose slippers). 
Injury prevention programs also stress the value of an active lifestyle in reducing the overall risk and severity of injury. Even if people begin later in life, physical activity can result in significant health improvements. Everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, gardening or shopping can help reduce the risk of injury by: 
  • increasing joint mobility
  • building stronger bones and muscles
  • improving heart and lung function
  • decreasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure
  • improving balance and fall recovery abilities
It is important for older adults to check with a health specialist before starting an exercise regime -- especially for those who have been sedentary for a long period of time. However, the benefits of well-designed fall and injury prevention programs are now recognized, and such programs can be tailored to the abilities of the elderly person involved. 
Resources such as The Safe Living Guide provide a wealth of valuable information about safety issues in and around the home. Published by Health Canada, the guide is designed for seniors and those who care for them. It includes: a home safety checklist, suggestions about consumer safety products, and ideas for renovation planning; it suggests ways that seniors can modify their lifestyle to reduce the risk of injury.
To prevent falls: 
  • keep stairs and walkways free of ice, snow and leaves
  • put non-skid backing on rugs and scatter mats (or don't use them at all)
  • keep traffic areas clear of telephone and electrical cords
  • keep a clear path from the bedroom to the bathroom
  • make sure that all steps and stairs, both indoors and out, are well lit and include hand rails

Fires and Burns
Every year in Canada, home fires claim approximately 500 lives -- including many people aged 65 and over. In Ontario, for example, more than one-third of people who die in fires are 60 years of age or older. While changes in older persons' sensory and physical functions can make it difficult for them to detect or escape a fire, many fire-related deaths and injuries among seniors are preventable. 
To Prevent Fires: 
  • space heaters must be placed well away from flammable materials
  • older appliances should be checked for worn or frayed cords
  • smoke detectors should be tested every six months
  • cigarettes and pipes should be handled carefully and never smoked in bed or where there is a danger of falling asleep
  • cooking appliances, especially stoves and toasters, should be checked for safety and for the elder's ability to use them safely

Poisoning
The most common sources of poisoning are from food preparation, medications, cleaning supplies and chemicals. 
To prevent poisoning:
  • store all chemicals, such as bleach, cleaners and paint thinners in their original containers
  • keep work areas well ventilated
  • ensure that all kitchen work surfaces are kept clean and germ free
  • refrigerate all meat and poultry immediately after purchase
  • ensure that all meat and poultry products are thoroughly cooked
Traffic Accidents
Outside the home, traffic accidents are the leading cause of injury to older adults. One of the most difficult decisions for the elderly and their loved ones is identifying when the time has come to stop driving. The resulting loss of independence can be devastating, and, in many locations, it is impossible to manage daily life without driving a car. This is a particularly worrisome dilemma if the elderly person him/herself does not recognize the danger presented by deteriorating driving skills. The responsibility then falls to their loved ones to enlist outside help, from their general practitioner or seniors' organization. 
In situations where the elderly driver is still capable of retraining, and in recognition of the special needs of mature drivers, the Canada Safety Council offers a refresher course for mature drivers called 55 Alive. The purpose of the program is to keep mature drivers on the road longer by updating their knowledge and sharpening their driving skills, and by sensitizing them to normal age-related changes to vision and hearing.  
To Drive Safely and Reduce the Risk of Traffic Accidents:
  • do not drink and drive; you may be more susceptible to the effects of alcohol than you used to be
  • be aware that medication can affect your driving -- it may be best to avoid driving while you are taking certain drugs
  • have regular vision and hearing examinations
  • avoid driving at dusk or after dark, the most difficult time of the day to see
  • keep abreast of changes in the "rules of the road" and traffic patterns

Connect with Us.

​BC EFAP Client Access for immediate and confidential assistance 24/7.
BC lower mainland ​604.732.6933​
toll free ​1.800.667.0993
french toll free 1.800.561.1128
TTY 1.888.234.0414

In crisis?

If you are in crisis, direct telephone access to EFAP professional counsellors for crisis counselling and immediate assistance is available and accessible from anywhere in North America, 24/7/365 toll free by calling the number at the top of the screen.