Monday, November 7, 2022

November is Falls Prevention Month

November is Falls Prevention Month. Why are falls such an important issue? For many older adults, a fall can mean the difference between their normal life and a dramatic increase in dependence on others. Unfortunately, there's no way to 'turn back time' and so it's vitally important to prevent falls from occurring in the first place.

This special edition of our Volunteer Care Mail highlights resources and information that may be useful for you and your loved ones to help prevent falls.

Important Resources

Is Your Home Safe?

Check out these checklists to see if your home is safe from potential falls, slips, or trips.

Download Circle of Care's Falls prevention checklist by clicking the photo, or go through the Government of Canada's more extensive checklist by clicking the button.

Gov of Canada Checklist

Are Your Meds Safe?

Medications are also a frequent cause of falls. It's important to ensure that you are confident in the medications you're taking.

The Government of Ontario has a MedsCheck program where - if you qualified - you may see your pharmacist for free and discuss the medications you're taking.

Who qualifies for MedsCheck?

anyone who takes three or more prescription medications for an ongoing, chronic condition
anyone diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes (even if you are not taking diabetes medication)
any resident of a long-term care home

Learn More

First Falls_Film 2_What To Do If Someone Falls_FULLHD

What to do if a fall occurs

It can be scary to see someone fall. If you are faced with helping a loved one up after a fall, or you yourself have fallen, the following resources may be helpful.

Please remember it is a Circle of Care policy that volunteers should not help a client who has fallen get up. Volunteers are asked to call the client’s caregiver or the office for further instruction.

Learn More

Preventing Falls with Exercise

Joining an Exercise & Falls Prevention class is also a great way to prevent falls. Circle of Care holds a variety of exercise classes weekly that increase mobility, relieve pain and reduce the risk of falls by building strength and improving balance.

Feel free to recommend our classes to a client of ours who may benefit from them!

Learn More

Is Your Footwear Safe for Winter?

Walking in the winter can be dangerous. More people fall during the winter than any other season. Rate My Treads is a website run by Toronto Rehab that provides guidance and information about popular brands of footwear and the level of traction they have.

Learn More

Additional Resources

Questions?

Our mailing address is:

Circle of Care
4211 Yonge Street, Suite 401
Toronto Ontario

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe