Anyone can experience a fall accident, but falls are a major health concern especially for those who are aged 65 and over. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury in older Australians where nearly 1 in 3 experienced a fall in the past 12 months.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that in 2018-19, 43% of hospitalised injuries and 39% of injury deaths were due to falls. Over half of all falls that lead to hospitalised injuries occurred on a single-level surface (for example, by slipping, tripping or stumbling), and 7% involved stairs or steps. As the number of older Australians increases, the likelihood of more falls and fall-related hospitalisations will also increase.
Causes of Falling
The cause of older people experiencing a fall isn’t always necessary because they aren’t concentrating or clumsy. The two main reasons that falls occur are from changes to the body as we age and household hazards. As we age, our body undergoes gradual changes that might affect our senses, the way we move and how the body functions. Examples include weaker muscles that affect our stability and ability to catch ourselves when we fall, slower reaction times, poorer eyesight and other health problems such as incontinence and dementia.
Nearly 2 out of 3 falls happen in and around the home. Common household hazards include unsafe footwear or loose slippers, trip hazards (rugs, cords) and slippery surfaces (wet floors, spills).
Non-Slip, Supportive Shoes for Fall Prevention
It’s important to take preventative measures to dramatically decrease the likelihood of falls occurring. Investing in a pair of good shoes can provide protection, comfort and ample support for everyday use.
Explore Caring Clothing’s wide range of specially-made fall-preventative footwear suitable for all users from kids to seniors. Although each footwear product offers different features depending on its type and purpose (indoor, everyday use, exercise etc.), all our footwear products are designed for maximum support and comfort.
Supportive footwear key features include (varies from products):
- NDIS Funded
- Orthotic friendly
- Engineered grip
- Easy to put and tighten
- C+ width fitting (great for wider or swollen feet)
- Adjustable velcro strap
- Extra padding for comfort and support
Our Women’s Supportive Shoe Range includes;
Homyped® Pascal Shoe (Everyday use, orthotic friendly)
Grosby Lilian Slipper (Slippers)
Our Men’s Supportive Shoe Range includes;
Hush Puppies Bloke Shoe (Everyday use)
Grosby Men’s Thurston Slipper (Slippers)
Our Kids Supportive Shoe Range includes;
Clarks Archer School Shoe (Runners, school shoes)
Clarks Advance School Sports Shoe (Sports shoes)