Attention is being turned towards seniors this week and ensuring the proper steps are being taken to prevent falls and other injuries.

Senior's Safety Week got underway yesterday and according to research by the Canadian Institute for Health Information, between 2017 and 2018, 51 per cent of all injury-related hospitalizations in Canada were from seniors 65 years of age and older, 137,000 of which were fall-related.

Nancy Vanthuyne, general manager at Caleb Village Retirement Community in Kindersley, stared some of the most common tripping hazards for seniors.

“Area rugs can easily cause a fall, if they aren’t laying flat, or if they catch an edge. Flooring should be hardwood or linoleum or short, short carpet. Also, if they are wearing socks or slippers, anything that doesn’t have a good grip, they could easily slip and fall. If they aren’t feeling well, or are weak and dizzy, if they get off balance, that can be a cause for a fall as well.”

She also added that living spaces that are cluttered can also serve as hazards, if there isn’t enough room to walk, or if there is potential to trip over furniture.

Keeping active can go a long way in preventing a fall however, Vanthuyne stated that those who walk regularly and partake in activities have better strength and mobility and are then able to better navigate their way around, lessening the chance of a fall.

Vanthuyne shared that Caleb Village offers group classes that are open to residents and visitors, which get seniors of all physical ability, active and staying strong and healthy.

Taking the proper steps to prevent a fall can not only save our loved ones from injury, but can also save their quality of life.

“If seniors break a bone, it can be life altering for them. A broken hip could mean the difference of independent living and long term care,” said Vanthuyne.

Additionally, as the temperatures drop, taking the time to ensure seniors walkways are shoveled and that the ice is removed, can be vitally important when preventing falls and associated injuries.

Fall related injuries accounted for 81 per cent of all senior injury hospitalizations between 2017 and 2018 according to new research by the Canadian Institute for Health Information.