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Avoiding Life-Threatening Falls
Taking a fall is always traumatic for adults, but for seniors it can actually be life threatening. A bad fall often means broken bones, a lengthy hospital stay and rehabilitation. In all too many cases, the patient never quite recovers from these injuries.
According to the National Safety Council:
- 70 percent of accidental deaths in senior citizens are a result of falls.
- In 2003, more than 15,000 Americans 65 and older died as a result of injuries in their homes.
- Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury among older Americans.
- Each week, 30,000 people over the age of 65 are seriously injured in a fall and nearly 250 die from their injuries.
- The most common injury is hip fracture. One in four people suffering a hip fracture dies within a year of the fall and another 50 percent never return to their prior level of mobility and independence.
- Of those who do survive a fall, 20 percent to 30 percent will suffer debilitating injuries that affect them the rest of their life.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate current annual costs associated with falls suffered by seniors at more than $27 billion annually and projects these costs will exceed $43 billion by 2020.
We recommend installing and using the following equipment to create stability in the bathroom, where most injuries occur.
- Grab bar
- Commode extender
- Non-slip bath mat
- Tub bench or bath chair
- Handheld shower attachment
Safety tips for other areas of the home
Remove all throw rugs from the house. A throw rug is one of the most dangerous things in the house, as we recommend removing them all from the home.
Remove clutter, like electrical cords, from the floors. Clutter is a big source for falls in the home and electrical cords are often the culprit.
Make sure that all stair railings are sturdy and repaired. Be extra cautious about going down stairs, which is when you have the most momentum. Consider using reflective tape in contrasting colors to make stairs easier to navigate at night.
Use night lights, particularly in bathrooms and in the electrical outlets along the hall, especially in darker areas. As we age we become more farsighted so it's important to have vision checkups at lease once a year. We suggest that every senior keep a flashlight by their bed at night in case of emergency.
Use sturdy chairs. Look out for antique chairs with high backs, especially if you need support getting up or down. Chairs with rollers, like old style kitchen chairs, or high backed chairs, like kitchen bar stools, should be avoided.
Avoid high book shelves. Reaching up creates instability, especially if you have to get on a step stool. We recommend moving things that you use on a routine basis to a lower level, and switching things you use less often to the higher shelves.
Beware of long robes and slippers. Long, flowing robes create the danger of tripping, and should be avoided in favor of shorter robes. Big floppy slippers might be cozy, but are not functional for seniors. Use form fitting slippers with a good grip instead.
* The articles contained in this section are for informational and editorial purposes ONLY. Always consult with your medical provider to assess your individual needs.
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