Statistic Canada states that falls occur to approximately 15% of the population.
“An estimated 4.27 million Canadians aged 12 or older suffered an injury severe enough to limit their usual activities in 2009–2010. This represents 15% of the population, an increase from 13% in 2001.
Overall, falls were the leading cause of injury. About 63% of seniors and one-half of adolescents were injured in falls, as were 35% of working-age adults.
Young people aged 12 to 19 had the highest likelihood of injury. More than one-quarter (27%) of this age group suffered an injury, almost twice the proportion of adults (14%) and three times the proportion of seniors (9%).
Two out of three (66%) injuries among adolescents were linked to sports. Among working-age adults (20 to 64), sports and work were related to almost half (47%) of injuries. Over half (55%) of seniors’ injuries occurred while walking or doing household chores. “
Stairs, step ladders, polished floors and extension cords are just some of the ways that an injury can happen at home.
Try these strategies to prevent falls at home:
- De-clutter! Instead of placing items on the floor, place them in storage rooms, bins or closets
- Remove accent rugs – If you must have them make sure they are taped down or place a non-skid mat under throw rugs.
- Wear slippers with rubber soles or go barefoot – wearing socks = slipping
- Use a anti-slip wax
- Remove all items from the stair well and install hand rails
- Use a night light in the hallway, bathroom or kitchen area (places that you or your family frequent during the night)
- Install non- slip mats to the tub or shower area
- Check your home for uneven surfaces – the transition from flooring to carpeting can be an area of concern
- Clean spills from floors, tiles and entry ways immediately
- Refrain from standing on a chair to get items out of the cupboards – use a proper non-skid, sturdy stepladder
While statistics about home injury are high, preventing them is easy.