Intro
September 22nd marks Fall Prevention Awareness Day. The risk of falls increases as we age, and the consequences can be severe. At Equinoxe Lifecare, we understand the importance of fall prevention and prioritize the safety and well-being of our clients. With our exceptional in-person homecare services and innovative technology solutions, we take a proactive approach to minimize the risk of falls and ensure the highest level of care. In this article, we will explore how Equinoxe Lifecare combines personalized caregiving with advanced technology to create a safe and secure environment for seniors.
Statistics
Falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians. In a recent survey, 20-30% of Canadian seniors reported at least one fall each year. 85% of seniors' injury-related hospitalizations, and 95% of all hip fractures are caused by falls; resulting in $2 billion a year in direct healthcare costs. The longer a senior remains on the floor, the higher the risk of complications such as dehydration, ulcers, and pneumonia. Regrettably, nearly half of seniors who fall require assistance to get back up.
Soft and Hard Falls
Understanding the distinction between soft and hard falls is crucial. A soft fall occurs when a senior can recover with minimal pain and may not consider it a cause for concern. Often, seniors are hesitant to use medical alert buttons or inform their relatives about such incidents as they don’t want to be a bother and tend to minimize the event or not report it. Hard falls are the opposite. Seniors who have hard falls have difficulty recovering and may suffer serious injury. Soft falls can go unnoticed but eventually escalate into hard falls, often resulting in hospitalization.
How We Can Help
Equinoxe LifeCare’s caregiving team is trained in fall prevention strategies, including identifying hazards in the home environment, assisting with mobility, and promoting proper exercise routines. We understand that each client has unique needs and preferences, which is why we develop personalized care plans tailored to their specific requirements. There are resources available such as https://safe-seniors.com/ which offers a free program developed in collaboration with Dr José Morais with simple at-home exercises to reinforce balance, flexibility, strength and endurance.
Technology solution
Our advanced technology solution can ideally complement in-person care. It detects irregular patterns and informs our care team in real-time, allowing for a rapid response. This solution consists of discreet sensors that monitor daily activities and sense the home for out of the ordinary events. By analyzing this information, we can identify potential fall risks or be informed about a soft fall that would likely not be reported otherwise. This helps us implement preventive measures proactively. This technology not only provides an added layer of safety but also offers peace of mind to both seniors and their families, knowing that help is readily available when needed and that there loved ones are never alone.
One of the critical benefits of technology is the ability to detect falls at home without wearing any device. The continuous monitoring happens in the background and requires no interaction throughout the day. By passively informing the care management team, there is no need for a senior to report a soft fall. Someone is already aware of the situation and will provide the required support.
Conclusion
While falls pose a serious threat to our senior population, there are ways to reduce the risk. Equinoxe Lifecare is committed to providing quality senior homecare while prioritizing fall prevention. With our dedicated caregivers, comprehensive technology solution and collaborative approach, we create a safer environment for seniors that promotes their well-being and autonomy, right at home.