Fall is a beautiful time of year, and getting outside for some fresh air and a bit of yard work is a wonderful way to enjoy the vibrant colours and get in a bit of exercise.
Enjoy the fall – just make sure you don’t fall! Almost a third of Canadians aged 60 and over are at risk of at least one fall each year, and this can result in serious consequences for older adults, including fractures and hospitalization, and losing independence and mobility.
Stumbles can happen to anyone but most falls can be prevented and your injury-risk reduced. Daily physical activity goes a long way in helping prevent falls! A combination of exercise along with a few fall-prevention strategies will enhance your sure-footedness and help keep you on your feet. It’s your best defence against falls.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Research shows that exercise helps improve walking, balance, coordination, flexibility and muscle strength. Stay healthy and mobile with walking, water workouts, tai chi, resistance training and exercises such as weight lifting. Engage a physical therapist or knowledgeable fitness trainer to get you on the right path.
Falls can be frightening and even when falls don’t cause any injury, worrying about them can trigger a loss of confidence and fear. Over time, activity is limited or reduced, which then creates further risk of falling. A sedentary lifestyle leads to bone and muscle loss, and increased risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic pain.
Stay healthy and safe year round by putting your best foot forward. Be sure to wear properly-fitted, sturdy, flat shoes with no-skid soles. An enclosed style is best so it won’t slip off.
Keep Walkways And Steps Clear
Regardless of the season, always keep outdoor areas like walkways, steps, decks and driveways clear of debris, snow, trash and clutter. Be sure to deal with uneven terrain or slippery surfaces.
In the fall, surfaces covered with slippery dead leaves can be a hazard. In the winter, take precaution against snow-covered ice, black ice, freezing rain and snow accumulation.
Fall-proof your home with the help of Custodia and our Home Management Plans that cover all of your year-round property maintenance needs, including fall cleanup, snow removal, and lawn maintenance all at one fixed price. We know it’s the little things that count and simplifying your home care needs increases home enjoyment and peace of mind.
Keep Indoors Fall-free
It’s not only the outdoors that pose slipping and tripping hazards. Manage your home inside too by keeping halls clear and high-traffic areas safe by moving coffee tables and plant stands.
Reduce clutter and have good lighting throughout the house. Install night lights in hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms.
Remove loose rugs or have them secure with slip resistant backing.
Keep everyday items – like dishes, food staples and clothing – within easy reach. Keep heavier items in lower cupboards.
Use non-slip mats in your bathtub and shower – install grab bars and other home modifications to increase your ability to perform daily activities independently, and risk free.
Have sturdy handrails on both sides of the stairway and keep the area well lit.
Custodia does it all
Don’t be embarrassed to use assistive devices – correct eye wear, hearing aids, and a rubber-tipped cane or walker can help keep you safe and active. Get your eyes checked regularly – seniors with low vision are 2.5 times more likely to fall than those with good vision.
Always ask for help with tasks. No climbing ladders or shoveling icy walkways and driveways. It can be tough for family to help so let Custodia do the lifting, raking and repairs. Custodia has lots of add-ons like home cleaning, handyman help and even window washing – big or small, let the professionals do it all!
With our help, healthy habits and fall-prevention awareness, you’ll be happy and healthy in your home sweet home!
