Falls are a major concern for older adults, often leading to poorer health and loss of independence. While we often think of falls being caused by a trip or slip, about 25 per cent of falls that lead to a hospital visit have no clear cause. These unexplained falls are more likely to result in hospital stays or a change in care.
To better understand unexplained falls and their impact on older adults the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) recently brought together 32 experts from across Canada — including healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers — to share insights and develop a plan to better understand and prevent these falls.
Researching Better Solutions
The Think Tank identified four top areas for future research to tackle this problem:
- Using data collected from wearable technologies to better understand the symptoms that happen right before an unexplained fall.
- Creating a research network to establish standardized ways to check for and treat unexplained falls across Canada.
- Identifying system-level tailoring of standardized diagnosis and treatment that works well across different patient groups and care settings.
- Conducting a thorough review to summarize what is already known about screening, risk, interventions, and care processes for unexplained falls.
Ultimately, the goal is to develop a plan, especially for long-term care (LTC), that includes screening (checking for things like hydration, thinking abilities, and low blood pressure), grouping people based on their level of fall risk, and individualized treatment.
Helpful Tips to Avoid Falls
Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. Here are some simple, yet important, tips to help you stay steady and prevent falls:
- Choose sturdy, non-skid shoes or slippers that fit well and have a closed back — avoid floppy slippers or walking in socks.
- Keep your room free of clutter, throw rugs, electrical cords, and anything else you could trip over. Make sure items you use often (like your glasses or water) are within easy reach.
- Regular, gentle exercise (like walking or balance exercises) helps maintain strength and balance. Good hydration and regular eating are also key, as dehydration and low blood sugar can contribute to dizziness.
- Take your time when going from lying down to sitting, and from sitting to standing. Getting up too quickly can cause your blood pressure to drop, making you feel dizzy.
- Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if any of your medications are making you feel dizzy or drowsy.
As part of this work, the RIA is hosting the Aging Well in Place event on November 28. In addition to fall prevention, attendees will learn about nutrition. Attendees can attend virtually or in person at the Waterloo Community Pavilion. To learn more and register, visit the-ria.ca/events/aging-well-in-place or call 519.904.0660.
The Think Tank on Unexplained Falls was made possible by a generous gift from the Jobson Family Foundation.