Did you know that falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for elderly people in the United States?
A fall can steal the independence of a normally active senior and set off an avalanche of health problems. Approximately 25% of people aged 65 and above will have a fall in this country this year, totaling more than 30 million emergency visits. These falls can be catastrophic; every 19 minutes, an elderly adult dies from a fall.
Falls don’t have to be an inevitable part of life for our older population. Fall Prevention Awareness Day seeks to highlight simple safeguards that can prevent falls in the senior community. Here are a few safety tips:
- Clear walkways and stairs of any objects that are easy to trip on.
- Provide adequate lighting throughout the home and porch areas.
- Add handrails, skid resistant mats, no-skid strips in the bathtub, or any other safety feature that can be installed to prevent falls.
- Be aware of smaller pets that can get under foot and larger dogs that jump on people and consider collar bells or obedience training. Keep pet accessories out of walking paths.
- Ensure your loved one receives regular vision checks as normal age-related vision changes can affect balance and depth perception.
- Trade in socks and slippers for skid resistant shoes.
- Try helping your loved one get engaged in more physical activity to maintain strength and flexibility.
Below is a link to the National Council on Aging’s Recommendations on Fall Prevention.
https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/
If you or your loved one has been seriously hurt in a fall due to someone else’s fault, it is a good idea to consider your legal options. You might be able to file a negligence claim and recover compensation for your loved one’s damages. Contact the team at Cordisco & Saile to schedule a consultation.
