Falls Prevention 

Communities have a key role in preventing seniors’ falls.

One in three seniors in BC falls every year, with many of those falls resulting in serious sprains, broken hips, or head injuries. Yet most falls can be prevented, there are many ways communities can reduce the risk of their senior citizens taking a tumble.

Falls are the most common cause of injury for seniors in BC. These injuries from falls impact communities in a variety of ways. Apart from causing pain and suffering, injuries from falls can affect seniors’ mobility and independence, preventing full participation in community life. In fact, falls are directly responsible for 40 percent of admissions to long-term care facilities. Costs to the health care system are staggering, with one hip fracture costing an average of $28,000.

Even the fear of falling is debilitating. Seniors who stay home because they’re afraid of falling outdoors lose the physical benefits of normal activities. Self-imposed inactivity can further compromise balance and muscle strength, putting a person at even greater risk of falling down at home.

 Working Together to Prevent Seniors Falls — what citizens and seniors groups can do

 Seniors Falls Prevention — what municipal governments can do