Introducing Karen, Parisa, and Simone: Occupational Therapists
We are thrilled to present the latest additions to our dynamic team: Karen Gill, Parisa Madani, and Simone Mann – occupational therapists at OT Works!
Since joining us between May and July of 2023, they have been delivering exceptional community-based occupational therapy services. Through their dedicated efforts to incorporate daily routines at home, work, and within the community, they are committed to enhancing independence and guiding clients towards their rehabilitation goals.
Karen earned her Master of Occupational Therapy at McMaster University. She is an advocate for a client-centered approach, aiming to empower individuals to engage in meaningful activities encompassing personal care, employment, and leisure pursuits. Karen has successfully assisted clients navigating challenges related to concussion, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, and mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. Her knowledge extends to musculoskeletal and orthopedic injuries, as well as mixed diagnoses. Karen extends her support to a diverse clientele, including those with WSBC and ICBC claims, private-paying clients, and individuals with extended health and disability insurance coverage. Fluent in Punjabi and Hindi, Karen serves the Surrey/Langley area.
Parisa, a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Master of Occupational Therapy program, enriches our team with her valuable background as a Kinesiologist. Her prior experience underscores the significance of active physical therapy for sustainable outcomes. Parisa specializes in aiding clients grappling with musculoskeletal and orthopedic injuries, chronic pain, and mental health challenges on their journey back to the workforce. She extends her guidance to individuals within WSBC, ICBC, private-pay sectors, and those covered by extended health and disability insurance plans. Fluent in Spanish, Parisa serves communities in Surrey, Langley, Burnaby, and New Westminster.
Simone is a dedicated occupational therapist who achieved her Master of Occupational Therapy at Bond University in Australia. She stands out for her compassionate and respectful demeanor, which she combines with innovative, evidence-based interventions tailored to each client’s distinct values and needs. Simone excels in supporting clients dealing with physical injuries, chronic pain management, exposure therapy, and brain injury rehabilitation. With a clientele encompassing WSBC and ICBC claims, private-paying individuals, and those under extended health and disability insurance, Simone brings her expertise to the fore. Fluent in Punjabi and Hindi, she serves clients in Delta, Surrey, Langley, Richmond, New Westminster, and Burnaby.
All our therapists, including Karen, Parisa and Simone, are registrants and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).
Get started with an OT
If you or someone you know can benefit from the guidance of a skilled occupational therapist, we invite you to contact us today!
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Meet Micaylee, Yasmine, and Brenden: Occupational Therapists
We’re excited to introduce the newest members of our team, Micaylee Pucilowski, Yasmine Mackie, and Brenden James, occupational therapists at OT Works!
They joined our team in February-March 2023, and have since been providing exceptional community OT services to individuals. By implementing daily activities at home, work, and in the community, they work to foster increased independence and help clients achieve their goals.
Micaylee completed her Master of Occupational Therapy at Western University and has a passion for making a meaningful difference in her clients’ lives. She has experience working with musculoskeletal/orthopaedic injuries, chronic pain, mental health (anxiety/depression), and concussion/traumatic brain injury. Micaylee works with a range of clients, including those with WSBC, ICBC, private-paying clients, and those with extended health/disability insurance. She serves clients in the Metro Vancouver region.
Yasmine completed her Master of Science in Neuroscience and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta. She is passionate about supporting clients in their recovery through collaboration and engagement in meaningful activities. She has experience working with individuals with musculoskeletal/orthopaedic injuries, chronic pain, mental health concerns (including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, and PTSD), concussion/traumatic brain injury, and mixed diagnoses. Yasmine works with WSBC, ICBC, private paying clients, and those with extended health/disability insurance. She serves clients in the Tri-Cities, Surrey, Burnaby, and New Westminster.
Brenden completed his Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia and his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from McGill University. He has honed his skills in mental health, chronic pain, and mixed diagnoses throughout his academic and professional career. Brenden works with a range of clients, including those with WSBC, ICBC, private-paying clients, and those with extended health/disability insurance. He serves clients in the Metro Vancouver region.
All our therapists, including Micaylee, Yasmine, and Brenden, are full registrants and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).
Get started with an OT
If you or someone you know could benefit from working with an occupational therapist, contact us today!
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day
National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated annually in Canada on the summer solstice, June 21st, to honor and recognize the culture, heritage, and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
Celebrate the day respectfully
- Attend an Indigenous event or gathering
Many Indigenous communities across Canada organize events and gatherings on June 21. Attend one of these events to experience the vibrant culture of Indigenous peoples.
- Learn about Indigenous History
Take some time to educate yourself about the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Visit a local museum, read books written by Indigenous authors, or watch documentaries about Indigenous history.
- Support Indigenous Businesses
Support Indigenous businesses by shopping at Indigenous-owned stores or purchasing Indigenous-made products.
- Volunteer
Volunteer your time to support Indigenous organizations or communities. This could involve helping with community events, fundraising, or offering your skills in a specific area.
- Take part in Social Media Campaigns
Join social media campaigns that celebrate Indigenous culture and history and raise awareness of the challenges that Indigenous peoples face today.
Remember that celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day is just one small part of a larger effort to recognize and support Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is important to continue learning about Indigenous history and culture and to work towards reconciliation and decolonization.
What we are doing at OT Works!
At OT Works! we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day by learning their history and understanding how we move forward to support Indigenous communities.
We have adopted the Indigenous Cultural Safety, Humility, and Anti-Racism standard of practice, as recommended by the College of Occupational Therapists of BC (COTBC).
Our team is also collectively studying and learning more about the negative impact of colonization and racism in health care. Specifically, every team member has read the In Plain Sight report and has watched webinars from the Indigenous Cultural Safety Collaborative Learning Series. OT Works! has facilitated a group discussion about our learnings and how our team can further support Indigenous Peoples in the care we provide.
Learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day and Indigenous communities:
- National Indigenous Peoples Day, by the Government of Canada
- First Peoples’ Map of BC
- Indigenous Cinema by NFB
Mental Health Week – #MyStory
Storytelling is a fundamental part of life. It’s how we share information, culture, language, and ways of life. Stories connect us with our friends, families and ancestors. Sharing personal experiences and stories is not only valuable for promoting understanding — it can help us see the world from different perspectives. Our stories shape us and the way we interact with each other and the world.
Stories are an integral part of mental health. It’s through stories that we build connections, make sense of our realities, find support, and reduce stigma. Stories of humanity, healing, and new possibilities. It’s also through listening to our clients and their stories that Occupational Therapists help clients get back to the activities they love. OT Works! supports CMHA Mental Health Week (May 1-7, 2023) and this year’s theme: #MyStory.
Understanding Mental Health
Mental health is the state of our psychological and emotional well-being. It encompasses our emotions, feelings of connection, thoughts, and the ability to manage life’s highs and lows. Throughout our lives, we will all experience periods of positive and negative mental health.
Everyone has mental health
Mental health and mental illness are often used interchangeably, but it’s important to note that they are not the same. Mental health is always there and may be positive or negative. Mental illness, however, affects a person’s ability to function over a long period. Someone without a mental illness could experience poor mental health, just as a person living with a mental illness could experience excellent mental health.
The presence or absence of a mental illness is not a predictor of good mental health
Mental health is part of every one of us and in all areas of our lives. We bring it with us to our workplaces, schools, our hobbies, recreational activities, and our places of worship – everywhere we go in our communities our mental health is with us.
Everyone deserves to have the right supports and resources available to foster good mental health
Mental illnesses are caused by a complex interplay of genetic, biological, personality, and environmental factors. They are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behaviour associated with significant distress and impaired functioning.
One-third of people in Canada will experience a mental illness or substance use disorder in their lifetime.
With the right support, people with mental illnesses can thrive. Just as we take care of our physical health, there are many ways we can help take care of our mental health.
Look after your mental health
Everyone can take steps to take care of their mental health.
Building and nurturing support networks
Feeling connected to others and to our community not only provides us with a sense of belonging but ensures we have people to lean on when we need to. Friends, family members, co-workers, neighbours, and romantic partners can all be great connections.
Identifying and feeling our emotions
Having good mental health doesn’t mean feeling happy all the time. It means being able to identify and experience the wide range of emotions that all humans go through and managing them in a way that is respectful to you and others around you.
Being active
Move your body in a way that feels good for you. This can include walking, dancing, running, swimming, stretching, and playing with your kids or animals. Moving your body 20 minutes per day decreases tension levels and improves anxiety, depression, dementia, cognition, and quality of life.
Trying a new hobby or sport
Inviting fun and creativity into our routines can help minimize stress and reduce anxiety and depression. Make time for the things that bring you meaning and joy! Whether it’s knitting, reading, bike riding, or baking, there are endless possibilities and activities to get involved in.
Practicing mindfulness
Mindfulness is purposely bringing one’s attention to the present moment. When our minds are cluttered, it can be difficult to notice our feelings. Practicing mindfulness and breathing exercises can help calm your mind, become more aware, and create better connections with yourself and others.
Being kind to ourselves
While we can’t stop our minds from thinking, we can change how we talk to ourselves. Take a moment and listen to your inner voice. What’s it telling you? Sometimes we don’t realize the amount of negative self-talk we engage in until we stop and listen. We could all benefit from growing our compassionate voice which might sound like how we speak to our loved ones.
Looking for help
Safely sharing your stories and struggles with a professional can also be helpful. A mental health professional can support you on your journey to becoming healthier!
Occupational Therapy, Mental Health, and Stories
Occupational Therapists (OTs) can listen to your stories in a professional, safe, non-judgmental, and respectful way.
Our OTs provide trauma-informed care and can help you get back to the activities that are meaningful to you.
Supporting clients and their mental health is exactly what OTs do!
OTs can help you find and build the right supports, identify your emotions, get active, try new fun and creative activities, practice mindfulness, and reframe the way you think and speak to yourself. Ultimately, OTs can help you get back to the life you love!
Contact Us
At OT Works!, our occupational therapists recognize the importance of listening and understanding. Our therapists are experienced in providing support for mental health issues. Our therapists at OT Works! are certified with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC) and have training in areas such as mental health, brain injury rehabilitation, home safety, and chronic pain.
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, contact us today.
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Learn More
- CMHA Mental Health Week
- Sharing your Story Safely by the Mental Health Commission of Canada
- Wellness Together: mental health support for people in Canada and Canadians abroad. Always free and virtual, 24/7.
- Bounce Back: A free, evidence-based program designed to help adults and youth experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate depression, low mood, or stress, with or without anxiety.
OT Works! would like to thank CMHA for supplying parts of the content for this post.
March is Brain Health Awareness Month
Brain Health Awareness Month is a month to remind people to take care of their brains.
Occupational Therapists provide holistic client-centred therapy that considers the person’s physical, cognitive and emotional strengths and challenges, empowering them to live a healthy lifestyle.
We cannot talk about a healthy lifestyle without talking about our brains.
The brain is an integral part of our health, as the brain controls everything in our bodies, from physical ability to cognition to emotions. We rely on our brains for learning, moving, working, making decision, and even doing simple activities, such as watching TV!
In fact, brain injury is the number one killer and disabler of children and adults under the age of 45. In British Columbia alone, “…between 21 and 38 individuals sustain brain injury each day…” -Health Canada, 2007.
It’s important to prevent brain injuries and to do things to maintain a healthy brain for a good quality of life.
Keeping a healthy brain
Taking care of your brain can be simple and involves having healthy habits. Here are some ideas to keep a healthy brain:
- Eat nutritious food: avoid highly processed foods, and give preference to vegetables, fruits, whole grain foods, organic and protein foods. Canada’s Food Guide is a useful source of information for healthy eating.
- Exercise regularly: physical activity improves blood flow and can help you think, learn, problem-solve, and enjoy an emotional balance. Studies suggest that a simple exercise, like walking, can help increase creativity.
- Sleep well: sleeping 7-8 hours a day helps our brain reorganize and recover.
- Learn new things: when we learn new things, the brain creates new pathways, keeping it active and healthy!
- Be creative: creative activities such as reading, writing, making puzzles, playing a musical instrument, singing, and creating art and crafts are fun ways to keep the brain active.
- Reduce stress: stress can prematurely age the brain. Take steps to reduce stress in your life such as using relaxation techniques, deep breathing, positive thinking, meditation/praying, visualization, and enjoying nature.
- Stay socially connected: staying connected socially helps you stay connected mentally. Research shows that regularly interacting with others may help reduce your risk of developing dementia.
- Wear helmets: when playing sports that involve moving quickly or using a ball or a puck. Falls are the leading cause of brain injury, followed by striking or being struck by an object.
- Wear PPE at work: a hard hat and other protective equipment can prevent a brain injury at physically active jobs.
Our therapists have experience with brain injury
Our therapists have experience helping clients with brain injury to live their best lives. We continuously help WSBC, ICBC, third-party insurer, and private-pay clients with brain injury.
If you or someone you know had a concussion or a traumatic brain injury, contact us today.
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Read more about brain health:
- Brain-healthy tips to reduce your risk of dementia by the Alzheimer Society.
- Healthy Brain by Brainstreams
- What can you do to keep your brain healthy, an animated video by Trinity Brain Health.
(Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA: https://www.pexels.com/photo/paperclip-in-a-shape-of-a-light-bulb-and-a-rubber-eraser-in-a-shape-of-a-brain-6193936/)
Meet Amna Khan: Occupational Therapist
Welcome Amna Khan to the OT Works! team.
Amna completed her Masters of Occupational Therapy (MOT) at University of British Columbia. Her training included experiences in both public health and private practice. Prior to becoming an OT, Amna worked at UBC where she supported several clinical research studies in the areas of oncology, mental health, and rehabilitation. She worked as a behavioural interventionist to support children with ASD and worked as a volunteer to assist rehabilitation of residents in long-term care. Amna is passionate about providing evidence-based and client-centred care to help her clients achieve their functional goals and full potential. Her current areas of focus include: musculoskeletal/orthopaedic injuries, chronic pain, mental health (anxiety, depression), and concussion / traumatic brain injury.
Amna serves clients in the Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley areas, including Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, Delta, White Rock, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Langley, Fort Langley, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Abbotsford and Mission.
She works with WorkSafeBC, ICBC, and private paying clients, as well as those with extended health/disability insurance.
Amna has also taken additional courses and certifications in suicide intervention, serious illness, chronic pain and cognitive rehabilitation.
Like all our therapists at OT Works!, Amna is registered and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).
Get Started with an OT
If you or someone you know could benefit from working with an occupational therapist, contact us today!
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Indigenous Cultural Safety, Humility, and Anti-Racism
OT Works! has adopted the Indigenous Cultural Safety, Humility, and Anti-Racism standard of practice, as recommended by the College of Occupational Therapists of BC (COTBC).
The standard sets clear expectations for how therapists are to provide culturally safe and anti-racist care for Indigenous clients.
The practice standard was created as a response to the evidence and recommendations in In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in BC Health Care, a report by Dr. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond. The November 2020 report provided evidence of Indigenous-specific racism, resulting in decreased access to health care and poor health outcomes, such as lower life expectancy, higher mortality, and increased presence of chronic health conditions.
In Plain Sight was guided by Sulksun (Shane Pointe), a proud member of the Coast Salish Nation, Musqueam Indian Band, and Knowledge Keeper to all, and Joe Gallagher (k’wunəmɛn), Tla’amin Nation, Principal at Qoqoq Consulting Ltd.
It comprises of six core concepts, within which there are principles to which therapists are held accountable.
The six core concepts are:
1.Self-reflective practice (It starts with me)
Cultural humility begins with self-examination of values, assumptions, beliefs, and privileges, how they are embedded in knowledge and practice, and consider how it impacts relationships with Indigenous Peoples.
Cultural humility promotes relationships based on respect, open and effective dialogue, and mutual decision-making.
Principles:
Health professionals:
- Reflect on, identify, and do not act on stereotypes or assumptions.
- Reflect on how their privileges, biases, values, beliefs, behaviours, and positions of power impact the therapeutic relationship.
- Evaluate and seek feedback on their behaviour towards Indigenous Peoples.
2.Building knowledge through education
Health professionals continually seek to improve their ability to provide culturally safe care for Indigenous clients.
Principles:
Health professionals learn about:
- Determinants of health, cultural safety, cultural sensitivity, and anti-racism.
- Negative impact of Indigenous-specific racism on Indigenous clients accessing the health care system, and its disproportionate impact on women, girls, and two-spirit, queer, and trans-Indigenous peoples.
- Historical and current impacts of colonialism and impacts on health care experiences.
- The Indigenous communities located in the areas where they work (languages, histories, heritage, cultural practices, and systems of knowledge).
3.Anti-racist practice (taking action)
Health professionals take active steps to identify, address, prevent and eliminate Indigenous-specific racism.
Principles:
Health professionals:
- Help colleagues identify and eliminate racist attitudes, language, or behaviours.
- Support clients, colleagues, and others who experience racism.
- Report acts of racism to leadership or the regulatory college.
4.Creating safe health care experiences
Health professionals facilitate safe health care experiences where Indigenous clients’ physical, mental/emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs can be met.
Principles:
Health professionals:
- Treat clients with respect and empathy:
- Acknowledge clients’ cultural identity.
- Listen to and seek to understand their lived experiences.
- Treat clients and their families with compassion.
- Be open to learning from the client and others.
- Care for a client holistically.
- Acknowledge and incorporate in the plan of care cultural rights, values, and practices.
- Facilitate the involvement of the client’s family and others (community and Elders, Indigenous cultural navigators, and interpreters) as needed and requested.
5.Person-led care
Health professionals work collaboratively with Indigenous clients to meet the client’s health and wellness goals.
Principles:
Health professionals:
- Respectfully learn why the client has sought health care.
- Engage with the clients and their identified supports to identify, understand and address their health and wellness goals.
- Actively support the client’s right to decide on their course of care.
- Communicate effectively by:
- Providing space and time to share their needs and goals.
- Providing clear information about their health care options available.
- Ensuring information is communicated in a way that the client can understand.
6.Strengths-based and trauma-informed practice (looking below the surface):
Health professionals are knowledgeable about different types of trauma, and their impact on Indigenous clients (including intergenerational and historical trauma which impact many Indigenous People during health care experiences. They focus on the resilience and strength the client brings to the health care encounter.
Principles:
Health professionals:
- Work with the client to incorporate personal strengths to meet goals.
- Recognize the potential for trauma (personal or intergenerational) and adapt the approach to be mindful of this, including seeking permission before engaging in assessment and treatment.
- Recognize that colonialism and trauma may affect how clients view, access, and interact with the health care system.
- Recognize that Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, queer, and trans-Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately impacted by Indigenous-specific racism and consider the potential impact of gender-specific trauma on the client.
What is OT Works! already doing to address the practice standard?
OT Works! is committed to providing culturally safe and anti-racist care for Indigenous clients:
- We are continuously reflective of our practice through our processes, including mentorship, Quality Assurance, and annual feedback.
- We focus on holistic care and client strengths at all times.
- We consistently provide client-centred care.
- We are good listeners.
- We continuously deepen our understand of, and provide, trauma-informed care.
- We acknowledge the Indigenous lands we work on.
- We research and share information with the team about the Indigenous people on whose lands we work.
Next steps
OT Works! Is taking further, specific and active steps towards an inclusive, respectful and safe space for our Indigenous clients.
Here’s what we will do moving forward:
- Identify unrecognized bias in tools and practices at OT Works! and in the systems we work.
- Reflect on our privilege, position of power, and how it impacts our Indigenous clients.
- Seek specific education on Indigenous cultural practices and impacts of colonialism and intergenerational trauma.
- Ensure the space, time and necessary guidance for specific reflections about our Indigenous learning and care.
OT Works! will continue to build on our strengths as a team of caring, respectful, knowledgeable Occupational Therapists and continue to improve care in BC for Indigenous people.
Contact us
If you or someone you know is looking for support of an Occupational Therapist, contact us today.
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Picture in this post – Title: Land Acknowledgment – Artist: Sage Paul, W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip Nation)
OT Works! Holiday Hours
OT Works! will be closed during the holidays.
We will be back to our regular hours on January 03, 2023, when we will be accepting new clients in Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, Sea-to-Sky, Sunshine Coast, Victoria, and the Comox Valley.
| Monday, December 19, 2022 | Open, 9 am-5 pm |
| Tuesday, December 20, 2022 | Open, 9 am-5 pm |
| Wednesday, December 21, 2022 | Open, 9 am-5 pm |
| Thursday, December 22, 2022 | Open, 9 am-5 pm |
| Friday, December 23, 2022 | Open, 9 am-5 pm |
| Monday, December 26, 2022 | Closed |
| Tuesday, December 27, 2022 | Closed |
| Wednesday, December 28, 2022 | Closed |
| Thursday, December 29, 2022 | Closed |
| Friday, December 30, 2022 | Closed |
| Monday, January 02, 2023 | Closed |
| Tuesday, January 03, 2023 | Open, 9 am-5 pm |
Regular business hours resume on January 03.
We wish you a very Happy Holidays and a Joyous New Year!
Get started with an OT
Our therapists at OT Works! are registered and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC). Our approach is based on current research and evidence-based practice.
If you or someone you know could benefit from occupational therapy, contact us today!
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Vancouver: 604.696.1066
Victoria: 250.999.8896
Giving Back to the Community
OT Works! is pleased to continue to support two local initiatives that provide change and promote social justice: Project Change and Run for Water.
Change and staying active are central to the philosophy of occupational therapy. Our therapists facilitate change and meaningful activities to promote health and recovery.
Project Change Foundation provides financial and other support to early-stage charities in Canada with significant potential for creating social or environmental change.
In 2022, Project Change provided grants and support to Courage in Action, an organization that supports women with difficult circumstances by providing free resources to assist them in moving forward in their lives. Through educational sessions and conferences delivered by accomplished women, the charity aims to uplift and inspire their members to create new or different outcomes.
This year, OT Works! also participated for the fifth time in Run for Water. We joined 1500 other runners at Mill Lake in Abbotsford to make a difference in the community of Sizi, Ethiopia.
In 15 years of the event, Run for Water has raised over $4,000,000 to help build clean water projects in some of the most remote and marginalized areas of Ethiopia.
OT Works! also continues to support other organizations as they empower people in Canada and around the world, such as WWF and Plan Canada.
November is Fall Prevention Month
Everyone trips or loses their balance from time to time. While most falls do not cause severe injury, a simple fall from standing can cause significant injuries. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian older adults. 20-30% of older adults fall each year.
The good news is that there is much you can do as most falls are predictable and preventable. Everyone has a role in preventing falls. You can take simple steps to reduce your risk of falling.
11 Ways to Prevent a Fall
1. Improve your mobility and balance
- Include balance exercises, such as Tai Chi, Yoga, and dancing, as part of your routine
- Take your time to get up from bed and to turn, allowing your body enough time to adapt
- Talk to an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist about mobility aids.
2. Strengthen your muscles and increase your physical activity
Exercise is good for your heart and circulation, as well as your bones, muscles, and balance. It also helps to maintain a healthy weight and mental well-being.
- If you are inactive, start by choosing an activity you like and plan for how to incorporate physical activity safely into your routine.
- Look for group activities or classes in your community or get your family or friends to be active with you.
- If you have a medical condition, discuss your plans for physical activity with a health professional before beginning an exercise program and seek a supervised program.
3. Check your vision
Regular eye exams are important to address vision problems, as poor vision can increase the risk of a fall.
- Have your eyes tested each year by an optometrist.
- Reduce glare outdoors by wearing a hat or sunglasses and eliminate glare in your home by using light shades and curtains.
- Always keep glasses handy.
4. Check your medication
Taking multiple medications is linked to falls – the greater the number of medications a person takes, the greater the risk of any adverse reaction from medication, including falls. Some drugs, such as sedatives, are more likely to increase the risk of falling.
- Ask about a medication review of all your medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information and whether any of your medications will cause unsteadiness or other side effects.
- Speak to your doctor or pharmacist immediately if a medication is causing side effects, such as becoming unsteady, dizzy, confused, or drowsy, or if you have a fall.
- Avoid taking medication and alcohol together – alcohol can add to the risk of falling by affecting your alertness, judgement, physical coordination, and reaction time.
5. Reduce your fear of falling
Fear of falling or loss of confidence sometimes occurs after a fall. This can lead to a cycle of stopping activities, which in turn reduces muscle mass and strength.
- Become aware if you are afraid of falling and how it is affecting your everyday activities and mobility.
- Discuss your fear of falling with family members and health professionals to find ways to take appropriate steps toward fall prevention.
- Be prepared before a fall. If you live alone, a personal alarm or cordless telephone can give you greater confidence to stay active in and around the house.
6. Use appropriate footwear
Wearing footwear that does not fit properly or has worn soles may increase your risk for a fall.
Foot problems such as ingrown toenails, fallen arches, misshapen toes, and decreased sensation with age and/or from diabetes can also contribute to falls.
- Wear walking shoes for daily activities.
- Make sure your shoes are firm and supportive around the heels and the instep of your feet. They should be flexible and have enough room around your toes.
- Choose footwear that offers good stability.
7. Keep good nutrition habits
As you get older, it is particularly important to maintain strong bones and muscles.
- Eat a variety of nutritious foods
- Tell your doctor if you experience reduced appetite or unexplained weight loss.
- If you are at risk for deficiency, seek advice from a dietician or your doctor about nutrition supplements.
8. Manage your health
Annual medical assessments are an important aspect of staying independent and ensuring ongoing evaluation and treatment of conditions that contribute to falls and fall-related injury.
- Have regular check-ups with your doctor to help prevent worsening of any condition you may have and to keep you as active as possible.
- Seek medical treatment if you feel unwell.
- Talk with a healthcare professional about incontinence. Loss of bladder or bowel control, frequency (going to the toilet often), and urgency (going in a rush) all increase the risk for a fall, especially at night.
9. Do a Home Safety Checklist
Falls are often due to hazards that are easy to overlook but also easy to fix. Making changes in your home to prevent falls is beneficial both for you and your family members. Most falls resulting in significant injury occur within the home, most within the living room or bedroom.
10. Check for hazards in the community
Paying attention to our surroundings helps everyone to be safe in our communities.
- Always try to use footpaths if possible. Avoid damaged footpaths or rough ground with loose or uneven surfaces.
- Be aware of curbs, changing levels, and slopes, especially at entrances to buildings.
- Always be aware of bicycles, toys, pets, or other objects which may be in the way, especially when using a walker that blocks the view of the area in front of you.
- Allow yourself time to cross roads safely and use pedestrian crossings if available.
- If you use public transport, take your time. Keep one hand free to hold a rail and always look at the step. Ask the bus driver to wait until you are seated before taking off.
- Check the weather. Be extra careful walking on snow and ice or going outside in extreme heat.
11. Get appropriate equipment
Specialized home modifications (e.g., grab bars, walk-in showers) and assistive devices (e.g., reachers, raised toilets) play a significant role in reducing the risk of falls and helping older adults maintain their independence within their home.
- Occupational therapists can provide information about personal and environmental assessments to help make life easier and safer, as well as guidance on proper installation and use of equipment.
How OT Can Help Prevent Falls
Occupational Therapists can help you prevent falls and put into practice the 11 steps listed above. An OT can help you with advice, ideas, and equipment. OTs manage your underlying fall risk factors and optimize your home design and environment.
Contact us
If you or someone you know is at risk for falls, contact us today.
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Learn More:
- Fall prevention (Government of BC)
- Home Safety Checklist (Government of BC)
- Home Safety – with videos (Finding Balance)