How to Care: Risk Factors for Difficulty with Activities of Daily Living

• poor vision
• problems with depth perception
• hearing problems
• diminished sense of smell
• diminished sense of touch
• decrease in sensitivity to heat, pain, pressure
• incontinence
• height extremes — very short, very tall
• obesity
• physical weakness
• reduced mobility
• poor balance, gait
• use of cane, walker, wheelchair
• poor grip
• lack of coordination
• limited reach
• cognitive impairment
• chronic illness
• polypharmacy
• a fall history

Note: More accidents happen in the home than anywhere else. Fall prevention is a critical issue for the elderly. In Ontario alone, falls cause over 600 deaths annually for those over 65. (Ontario Medical Review 1992.) A broken hip can mean immediate loss of independence. Many of the guidelines below will help decrease the risk of falls in the home. If necessary look for a fall prevention program in your area.