Patient Safety

Fall Prevention

1 in 3 older adults fall each year
1 in 3 of those who fall develop serious injuries
40% of admissions to nursing homes are the result of a fall
Falling is the leading cause of injury-related admissions in hospitals for people over 65 yeras of age
70% of seniors who had experiences a fall admitted they now avoid activities because they fear falling again

Exercise regularly. Exercise makes you stronger and improves your balance and coordination
Have your health care provider look at all the medinces you take, including over-the-counter and natural medicines
Have your vision checked yearly
Get up slowly after you sit or lie down
Wear shoes both inside and outside the house
Improve the lighting in your home
Watch for slippery surfaces when outdoors
Reduce hazards in your home
Be informed about bone health (osteoporosis)
Follow Canada's Food Guide daily

Remove tripping hazards such as throw rugs and clutter in walkways
Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors
Have grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower. Have handrails on both sides of stairways
Improve lighting throughout your home
Use nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways
Keep a telephone close by with emergency numbers
Keep frequently used items within your reach
Wear shoes that provide good support and have non-slip soles

Keep emergency numebrs in large print near each phone
Put a phone near the floor in case you can't get up
Think about wearing an alarm device that will ring help in case you fall and can't get up
Your health care provider can give you some information about these services

Have a rubber mat in the shower or tub
Have a non-skid bath mat beside your tub or shower
To increase your safety, grab bars may be installed around the tub and toilet
Do you have a clear, well-lit path from the bedroom to the bathroom for nighttime?
Do you have easy access to the telephone and lamp from your bed?

Complete a personal medication record and keep it with you at all times, including allergies and medical conditions
Make sure you understand the reason you are taking each medication
Keep your medication in clearly labelled bottles, and store them as recommended
Discard medications after they expire
Take medications ar ordered by your doctor. For example, do not stop taking antibiotics once you are feeling better...finish them all!
Take advantage of the MedsCheck program through your local pharmacy

Have a list of emergency numbers near each phone
Have a door viewer on your exterior doors
Keep doors and windows locked at all times
Putting a couple of lights on timers and leaving a radio on will give a lived-in impression at all times
Make sure a friend or neighbour has a key to your house
Keep walkways clear of snow and ice in the winter

washing hands

Good handwashing is the most effective way to decrease the spread of infection
Wash your hands after: sneezing, coughing, blowing your nose, using the washroom, handling garbage, pets, being outdoors, and touching food
Wash your hands before and after doing your own treatments
Your Caregiver will wash their hands using soap and water or hand sanitizer before providing your care
In some circumstances, they may even wear golves, masks or gowns

Remove hand and arm jewellry
Ensure hands are visibly clean (if soiled, wash your hands first)
Apply between 1-2 full pumps of product, or squirt a loonie-sized amount onto one palm
Spread product over all surfaces of hand, concentrating on finger tips, between fingers, back of hands, and base of thumbs
Rub hands until product is dry. This will take a minimum of 15-20 seconds if sufficient product is used

Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time. This could mean that utilities are out, roads are closed, and we can't get the crucial supplies we need! Local, provincial and federal governments prepare for emergencies and so can you!
Everyone should be prepared to take care of themselves and their families for up to 72 hours (3 days) in the event of an emergency or disaster
If you are ever in an emergency situation, stay calm!

Think of any special needs someone in your family might have, and include any other items that your family would need. Here are some suggestions:
Keep at least on week's supply of medication on hand at all times
Spare batteries for medical applicances and an extra oxygen cylinder if needed
Have at least a 3 day supply of food and water on hand. Choose ready to eat foods that your family likes and do not require refridgeration (canned food, crackers, pasta, vegetables and fruit)
At least 4 liters of water per person per day should be stored - 2 for drinking and 2 for food preparation, hygiene and dishwashing
Keep a flashlight and spare batteries on hand
Have a radio or crank radio on hand
Keep a first aid kit ready
Know where your candles and matches are
Keep extra cash in a safe place
Make sure you know where all important papers are, including identification for everyone