Falls Prevention Month a reminder to stay safe all year

EDMONTON — November is Falls Prevention Month. Primary Care Alberta encourages Albertans to take steps to prevent falls and other injuries.
In 2024, there were around 15,500 fall-related emergency department/urgent care clinic visits in those aged five and under. There were around 41,500 fall-related emergency department/urgent care clinic visits in those 65 years and older.

For children: Many falls occur in the home for children younger than five years old. Use safety equipment and actively watch young children to prevent falls and other injuries.

• 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 like 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 older adults: On average, one in three people in Alberta 65 and older will fall at least once a year. There are many things that can be done to reduce the risk of falls.

• 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 during colder weather.
• Improve your health:
  • Check your vision. Changes to your vision might increase your risk of falling. Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) may cover some of the cost of an annual eye exam for adults ages 65 and older. Check with your eyecare provider about coverage when booking your appointment.
  • Review your medications. Regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist, and ask questions about side effects, such as feeling dizzy or sleepy. Keep a master list of medicines at home and with you when you go out.
• Remove hazards: Keep floors and pathways clutter-free. Turn on lights in stairways.

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.

For more information, visit our Injury Prevention & Safety website. If you're a health provider visit our Preventing Falls, Information for Health Professionals website.

Visit Finding Balance – a seniors’ falls prevention initiative developed by the Injury Prevention Centre (IPC) at the University of Alberta.

Primary Care Alberta is a made-in-Alberta solution to improve access to the primary care services Albertans rely on.

By delivering coordinated services, Primary Care Alberta enables healthcare providers to do what they do best -- care for Albertans. We meet Albertans wherever they live, work, play and learn, promoting prevention, supporting lifelong health journeys, and serving as a vital entry point to a complex network of care.

Together, we are creating a future where compassionate, timely and effective healthcare is available to every Albertan at every stage of life.