In 2018, falls were the leading cause of hospitalizations and deaths amongst Canadians. The financial burden associated with them totaled 10.3 billion dollars and accounted for 35 percent of the total costs of injury.
Falls affect individuals at every stage of life. They resulted in the highest costs incurred by children aged 0 to 14, adults aged 25 to 64, and individuals over the age of 65.
Falls in Children
Falling is part of normal child development as they learn to crawl, walk, run, jump and play. However, falls are the most common cause of injury for young children, and the number one reason they end up in the Emergency Department (ED).
Zero to six months
- Stats: 24 percent of falls happen when being carried.
- Parents and caregivers: Be alert of your surroundings when carrying baby.
Seven to 12 months
- Stats: 40 percent of falls happen when falling off furniture.
- Parents and caregivers: Stay within arms reach when the toddler is on the furniture.
Over 12 months
- Stats: 19 percent of falls happen when learning to walk.
- Parents and caregivers: Remove any hazards in the way, like rugs, shoes or toys
How to make your home a safe place:
- Maintain close supervision of your child: Be within arm’s reach of your child
- Childproof your home and create a safe space: This Home Safety Checklist is a helpful resource
- Go room-to-room and look at things from your child’s perspective: Getting on your hands and knees can be helpful
For more information, please visit the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Home Child Safety webpage or Parachute’s Falls in Children webpage.
Falls in Individuals Over 65 Years of Age
As we age our bodies change. This affects the way we move, feel and behave. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related ED visits, hospitalizations and deaths in Canadians over the age of 65.
- One in four individuals over the age of 65 fall each year.
- Reduced quality of life with a negative impact on physical and mental health.
- The financial burden of falls in people older than 65 is 3.7 times larger than those aged 25 to 64 years of age.
The good news is that actions can be taken to prevent most falls.
For more information, please visit the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Fall Prevention webpage or Parachute’s Falls in Seniors webpage.
