For young children, falling down is just part of an active lifestyle.

These mishaps often lead to scraped knees and elbows that invariably feel better with a band-aid and a mother’s kiss.

For seniors, another demographic at increased risk of falling, the consequences are often much more severe. In fact, 90 per cent of hip fractures are a result of a fall and for many of these patients, a fall can rob them of their mobility and independence.

While falls can pose large threats to seniors, there are ways they can reduce the risk.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has a checklist for seniors and their families to use around the home.

These falls create a huge cost to the health-care system, not to mention to the patient, said Janice Greco, the health unit’s manager of violence and injury prevention. “In the elderly, it can be debilitating.”

She encourages seniors, with the help of their family if necessary, use the checklist to ensure their home is as safe as possible.

The health unit is also interested in creating a health resource list for seniors in the community, and staff does presentations to groups. These include educational workshops to help health care professionals, specifically those who work with at risk seniors, prevent falls for their clients.

Several years ago, the health unit approached a number of agencies with the idea of forming a falls prevention coalition to help identify existing programs and work together on developing new ones where there were identified needs. One of them was the local VON (Victoria Order of Nurses).

“At that point, they took the lead,” said Ulla Rose, the local VON branch manager. And while there were various programs running before the coalition formed, “we were all working independently,” she said.

Coalition members are now working together to provide preventative programs across the area.

The VON runs four adult day programs for seniors, including one in Barrie. In addition to the social aspects of the program, one of the big focuses is on maintaining health. “We provide a strong health promotion program,” she said, and includes physical activity designed to build healthy bones and improve balance.

Rose recommends a free publication put out by the federal government called The Safe Living Guide: A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors. It can be ordered through the website, a link to which is provided with this article, or by calling 1-613-952-7606.

According to statistics, individuals over the age of 65 who end up in hospital from injuries sustained in a fall are higher than the average population. The people in this age group living in the Simcoe Muskoka area, is expected to double in the next 25 years.

The health unit’s role within the partnership is to provide education to health care providers on ways to support seniors living at home and to create greater awareness of the services available to support independent living.

Statistics also show that 40 per cent of nursing home admissions are a result of a fall and most of these take place in and around the home. The good news is that falls can be prevented.

Here’s a list of some things you can do to make you and your home more fall-proof.

• Wear sensible footwear that fit properly and has good treads.
• There are a variety of assistive devices, like walkers and canes that can help keep you balanced. If money is an issue in making these purchases or home renovations, there are financial assistance options available. Ask your pharmacist or the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s Health Connection for details.
• Make sure walkways and stairs inside and out of the home are clutter-free and in good repair. Snow and ice should be cleared promptly and have a non-slip surface.
• Keep all areas well-lit, inside and outside the home.
• Handrails on both sides of entrance stairs, walkway steps and ramps are a good idea.
• Make sure you can get in and out of your vehicle with ease.
• Make sure all mats, runners and area rugs stay firmly in place.
• Avoid carrying heavy packages when traveling up or down stairs.
• Keep floors dry.
• Consider using chairs with arms to make it getting in and out of the chair. A higher seat height also makes it easier to get on and off furniture.
• Place heavy items in the lower cupboards and lighter items in the higher cupboards.
• If you can’t reach something without reaching, consider using a stepladder with a safety rail.
• Install a non-slip mat or stick ons and grab bars in your bathtub or shower.
• Place towel racks close to the sink and tub to reduce water dripped on the floor.
• Organize room furniture to allow for easy movement without the risk of bumping into things.
• Have a lamp, phone and flashlight beside the bed.
• Have light switches at the top and bottom of stairs, at room entrances and at either end of hallways.
• Sit when getting dressed and undressed.
• Learn what the side effects are for your medications. Some can increase the chance of a fall.

To learn more about other things you can do to cut your risk of falling, talk to a public health nurse at the Health Connection Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The phone number is 721-7520.