Falls refer to incidents where a person unexpectedly loses their balance and drops to the ground, often resulting in injury, especially in individuals with mobility issues or health conditions.
Tips & Links
Falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors in BC. They are unintended events that can be caused by poor balance, tripping, or weakness resulting in a person, of any age, ending up on the ground experiencing potential injury.
Learn More
- Learn how to get a free home safety assessment from the Government of BC.
- Explore the many ways you can prevent falls from the Government of BC.
- Be aware of how your health conditions, surgery, treatments and/or medications can impact your risk for falls.
- Learn how to improve your muscle strength and mobility from the Government of BC.
- Ask your care partners and caregivers to learn with you about fall prevention from Healthlink BC.
Things You Can Do
- Seek out physical assessments for any changes in your mobility or risk for falling by your physician or physiotherapist.
- Complete the home safety checklist from the Government of Canada.
- Engage in regular (daily) physical activity to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. This can include activities like walking, swimming, weightlifting, stretching, yoga, or Tai Chi.
- Ensure that your home is safe, especially if you have been in hospital, had an accident, or an injury.
- Explore Ability 411 for recommendations about mobility aids/devices, how to source them, and supports for financial assistance across Canada.
- Look into the Red Cross equipment loan program for mobility aids/devices. Also check out your local hospital for long or short-term loaning programs.
- If you are at risk for falls, there are services available that alert others in case you fall or are unwell. Check out Lifeline or Living Well Companion.
- Have a plan if you fall and you are alone. Who can you call for assistance such as neighbours or care partners?
Complete and talk with your family and care partners about the activities Changes in My Personal Needs and Getting a Home Care or Safety–Assessment.