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Seniors BC

Health Management

There are many health conditions that contribute to falls.

These include:

Diseases of muscles, bones and joints such as arthritis and osteoporosis
 
Heart disease or high or low blood pressure
 
Metabolic diseases such as diabetes

 
Lung disease such as emphysema or bronchitis
 
Neurological and nervous system disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or stroke
 

Dizziness

 
 

Given that these conditions may present differently among seniors, annual medical assessments are an important aspect of staying independent and to ensure ongoing evaluation and treatment of conditions that contribute to falls and fall-related injury.


Suggestions


  • Have regular check-ups with your doctor to help prevent worsening of any condition you may have and to keep you as active as possible.

  • It is important to seek medical treatment if you feel unwell.

  • Short-term illness such as urinary tract infections, diarrhoea and chest infections can also contribute to risk of falling.

  • To reduce the risk of falling, it is a good idea to ask family, friends, neighbours or local services to assist with things like shopping, cooking and personal care if you are unwell.

  • Incontinence (loss of bladder or bowel control), frequency (going to the toilet often) and urgency (going in a rush) all increase the risk for a fall, especially at night.

  • Discuss your health conditions with an occupational therapist or continence specialist who can advise on bladder and bowel conditions, how to improve control, how to manage your condition and provide information on continence aids.


information

    Visit the following websites for additional information
 

B.C. Seniors Healthy Living Secretariat    HealthLink BC    Seniors Services Society

Home & Community Care    Service BC - Seniors    Canadian Continence Foundation