We collect basic website visitor information on this website and store it in cookies. We also utilize Google Analytics to track page view information to assist us in improving our website.
En cliquant sur « Accepter tous les cookies », vous acceptez le stockage de cookies sur votre appareil pour améliorer la navigation sur le site, analyser son utilisation et contribuer à améliorer notre site Internet.
Older adults are more prone to injuries due to the changes that come with aging. Changes may include decreasing vision, hearing, sense of smell and sense of touch. Decreasing bone density makes older adults more prone to fractures. When an older adult is injured, it may take longer to fully recover.
The good news is that there is a lot you can do to significantly reduce your chance for injury!
Clean up spills right away
Watch for pets, cords, and loose mats/rugs; secure mats and rugs to the floor
Make sure that you have appropriate lighting both inside and outside of your home
Watch for slippery surfaces when outdoors, especially in the winter
Talk to your health care professional about your health and safety needs.
.png)
One in four adults falls every year and falls can lead to serious injuries. If you are concerned about falling, speak to your health care professional.
If your health care professional has recommended a cane or walker, use it all the time
Wear non-skid rubber soled, well-fitting shoes with no or low heels. Avoid wearing only socks on wooden or tile floors
Install appropriately placed grab-bars for all washrooms and bathing areas
If you are at risk for falling, consider:
wearing hip protector to reduce your risk of injury from a fall
obtaining an emergency alert bracelet or necklace, or SOS technology through a phone, digital watch or health wearable
Get up slowly from a bed or chair to avoid any sudden drop in blood pressure and ask for assistance when needed
Have a pharmacist review your medications as some medications can affect your balance or cause dizziness
Take part in exercise programs that increase your strength and balance (always consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program)
Sharps are needles or lancets. Used sharps are dangerous because they can spread diseases.
If you are using needles or lancets, always place the used sharps in a specially designed sharps disposal container. This container can be obtained at your local pharmacy where they will also advise you on how to dispose of the used container safely.
DO NOT place used sharps in the regular garbage or leave them lying around your home
DO NOT bend or recap used needles as you may injure yourself
DO NOT reuse syringes, needles, or lancets as this may increase your chance of infections
Under the law, health care professionals must use ‘safety-engineered sharps’ which are designed to protect the user from injury. If a CarePartners health care professional is using your syringes or lancets, you will need to provide safety-engineered equipment which may cost more.
.png)
Test the batteries every 6 months or when you set your clocks ahead or back for daylight savings time
Avoid using candles
If you use oxygen, do not smoke in your home and do not let others smoke in your home
If you are using the stove top, do not leave any cooking unattended
Do not deep fry
If you do have a fire, do not try to put it out. Leave your home and call 911.
.png)
Browse other topics in the Guide to Living Well:
If you have questions, concerns, or feedback, please contact the office you normally deal with (closest to the patient’s home address). You can find all the contact information for this office in your Welcome pamphlet.
