EDMONTON — Alberta Health Services encourages Albertans to take steps to prevent falls and other injuries. About 180 children ages four and under and 11,000 adults ages 65 and older were hospitalized due to falls in Alberta in 2022. Here are some tips to avoid falls:
For children:
- Use sturdy, wall-mounted gates at the top of all stairs and a wall-mounted or pressure-mounted gate at the bottom.
- Install safety devices on windows, such as window guards or child-proof locks higher than ground level. Safety devices should be installed so they may be opened by an adult or older child without the use of any tools or special knowledge.
- Move furniture away from windows and balcony rails to prevent children from climbing.
- Secure furniture, such as dressers and bookcases, to the wall.
- Use the playground checklist for children to reduce the risk of injury.
- Always have your child wear a certified helmet while skiing, snowboarding, sledding, tobogganing or skating to lower the risk of head injuries.
For adults:
- Move your body. Regular physical activity builds balance, strength, and flexibility. Talk to your healthcare provider before beginning a new physical activity, and discuss strategies for staying active if you have limited mobility.
- Choose footwear that has low heels, fits well and has good grip. Join activities with friends or family to stay safe and connect with others. Take short, slow steps on slippery surfaces.
- Check your vision. Changes to your vision might increase your risk of falling. Alberta Health covers the cost of an annual eye exam for adults ages 65 and older.
- Regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist, and ask questions about side effects, such as feeling dizzy or sleepy.
- Keep floors and pathways clutter-free, and turn on lights on stairs.
If you fall or are seriously injured, get the appropriate care promptly. People with life-threatening emergencies should visit their nearest emergency department or call 911. If your condition is not life-threatening, call Health Link 811 for health advice or information.
November is Falls Prevention Month.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
