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Anyone is at risk of a fall, but older adults are at a significantly increased risk of sustaining debilitating injuries in falls due to physical changes and certain health conditions. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that:
- More than one in four older adults (those 65 years old or older) fall each year.
- Each year, three million older adults are treated in emergency room departments for falls.
- Each year, nearly 319,000 older adults are hospitalized for hip fractures sustained in falls.
Such events can lead to head injuries and broken bones, like arm, leg, hip, and wrist fractures. If you have an older adult in your household or one that you care for regularly, there are certain steps you can take to reduce the risk of falling.
Speak With Their Doctor To Help Prevent Falls
Fall prevention begins by speaking with the older adult’s doctor and determining whether they are at risk of falling due to certain conditions or medications. Be prepared to ask the doctor some basic questions, such as:
- Is the individual taking any medication that could cause fatigue?
- Has the individual fallen before?
- Could certain health conditions, such as Vitamin D deficiency, eye conditions, or dehydration, increase the risk of falls?
Remove Home Hazards
Most falls occur while older adults are at home. The good news is that there are many simple and effective ways to make your home safer and prevent falls both inside and outside of your residence. Here are some examples:
- Lighting. Increase lighting throughout the house to prevent older adults from tripping on items in front of them.
- Stairs. Make sure there are two-secured railings on each side of the staircase.
- Rugs. Secure loose rugs with double-faced tape, tacks, or slip-resistant backing in order to prevent slips.
- Bathrooms. Use nonslip mats in the bathtub; you can also install a bath seat in the shower.
Maintain Their Health
Physical activity can go a long way when it comes to reducing the risk of falling in older adults. Partaking in some form of daily exercise can help your elderly loved one improve strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. These can be simple, gentle exercises that are manageable for the older adult, such as:
- Walking
- Stretching
- Yoga
- Tai chi
At Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman PLLC, our attorneys represent those who have been injured due to the negligence of others. If you or your elderly loved one was injured in a fall on someone else’s property, we can advise you of any legal rights you may have, guide you through the process from start to finish, and fight to help you obtain a favorable outcome.
Contact our Mississippi personal injury attorneys to schedule your free consultation today.
