Grandparents want to be a part in their children and grandchildren’s lives. They love to spend time with each other and make memories to last a lifetime. Sharing everyday experiences such as reading and telling stories, playing at the park and discovering their environment all are important for child development. Grandparents and children benefit from the times spent together. It is also a great opportunity for inter-generational sharing and building healthy relationships. The joy that comes from being with a small child is one of life’s greatest pleasures. An interesting fact about these two groups is that they share a common risk for injury, which is falls.
The number and average age of grandparents in our society is increasing. Today, we are recognizing the great contributions older people can make in families. For example, childcare can be a financial concern for some families. Grandparents may step in to help ease the burden of finding affordable child care. As well, many grandparents want to help as much as they can in caring for the newest family member.
It is important to note that falls are a key safety issue for grandparents and small children. It is the number one reason for injury for both age groups. If you are planning a family event or leaving small children with their grandparents, thinking about fall prevention will help to keep everyone safe.
The following are some statistics that show the seriousness of falls for older adults and children:
For older adults in Ottawa (2017):
- 1 in 5 older adults fall in private homes each year
- The most commonly reported types of falls that result in Emergency Department visits are slips, trips and stumbles on the same level or from stairs/steps.
- Over 2000 fall related hospitalizations for people aged 65+
For children 0-6 years in Ottawa: 50% of Emergency Room visits for injured children are due to a fall.
- Over half (62%) of early childhood fall-related Emergency Department visits were for head injuries and 25% were for upper body injuries.
- Falling from a bed, chair, or other furniture was the most common type of fall-related Emergency Department visit for ages 0 to 6 years combined.
- Falls from playground equipment, especially monkey bars, were the main cause of injury for children 4-6 years old.
If you are a grandparent or older adult, you can prevent falls by making the needed adjustments to your home and lifestyle. These include eating well, staying fit, and using whatever devices will help your daily life while keeping you safe. You can find a checklist for preventing falls and more tips on the Ottawa Public Health website.
For a list of safety tips to help prevent injuries to children in your home and when visiting family, visit our Parenting in Ottawa website.
