Snow-covered roads and icy sidewalks are surfaces that invite slips, trips and falls.
For seniors, even the tiniest tumble can lead to chronic pain and injury or be an indicator of a more serious health condition.
“One in three seniors will experience a fall this year in Alberta, and half of those instances may result in injury,” said Lynda McPhee, education co-coordinator with the Alberta Centre for Injury Control & Research.
“Many of those injuries are serious enough to lead to hospital stays, and even longer term consequences such as loss of mobility and independence.”
Every November, the Finding Balance campaign – organized by the centre for injury control and research and the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta – aims to increase awareness of falls prevention among seniors.
McPhee recommends that seniors can reduce their fall risk by watching their step and removing falls hazards in the home, having a doctor or pharmacist check their medications once a year and speaking to a health care professional if they feel dizzy.
Liza Sunley, communications co-ordinator with the centre, added that extra precautions should be taken in the winter season.
“Keep your hallways and stairways well lit and free of clutter,” she said. “A lot of people are starting to decorate for Christmas, so make sure wires and cords are tucked away.”
She explained sturdy footwear is important especially when walking outside. The centre recommends wearing boots with a slight heel with grip on the sole.
Ice and snow grips that attach to shoe bottoms increase traction and can be purchased at most home medical supply and retail stores. Sunley said another popular piece of equipment for seniors walking outdoors is an ice grip/pick attachment for the bottom of a cane in order to prevent slipping.
“Some seniors will even carry a baggie of sand or salt with them if there’s a particularly icy patch in their community,” added Sunley.
Keeping active with daily 30-minute physical activity will also prevent falls. The centre recommends seniors try different types of exercises – both strength and balance – such as lifting light weights, stair climbing and tai chi. Endurance exercises include walking and dancing while flexibility exercises include stretching and yoga.
Seniors in St. Albert can also attend a free group exercise program twice weekly at Chateau Mission Court and North Ridge Lodge. The Active Anytime Anywhere program by Alberta Health Services is available to adults 55 and older who have an annual household income of less than $39,000.
Clearing snow-covered driveways and sidewalks can also be troublesome for seniors, which is why the St. Albert Community Information and Volunteer Centre has compiled a list of snow removers – including a number of youth – who offer discounted services.
For more information about snow removal in St. Albert contact CIVC at 780-459-6666 or [email protected].
For more fall prevention tips, visit http://www.findingbalancealberta.ca/.
