5 Ways to Prevent Elderly Falls and Injuries.
Children are seen tumbling around and falling down all of the time. It can be quite adorable. However, as people age, the consequences of falling become more and more severe. Falls are unfortunately common in seniors, and they can cause some serious injuries that could even be fatal. Learn about the dangers of of falls and how to prevent them.
Injuries and Consequences from Falling
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Lacerations
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Hip fractures
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Impaired movement
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Traumatic brain injury
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Spinal damage
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Other fractures
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Developed fear of falling, which limits a person’s range of physical activity
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Death from injury
5 Ways to Prevent Falls
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Regular Exercise
Exercising is one of the best ways to prevent any injury. It makes your body stronger, improves your balance and helps with your flexibility. Physical activity gets more difficult as we age, which is why falls are more likely to happen. Ideally, you want to find a physical activity that is relatively safe; Taichi is a common favorite. -
Check your Medicines
Review the medicines that you take and see if you can find out whether any of them cause dizziness or drowsiness. If they do, they could put you in a dangerous situation. If you can get them changed, do so, but if you can’t, pay careful attention when you take them and anticipate those side effects so that you can handle the effect it has on you without hurting yourself. -
Eye Exams
Get your eyes checked by an optometrist at least once a year to ensure that your vision is as clear as possible and your glasses are doing their best to assist you. -
Install Grab Bars
All around the home, it is a good idea to install grab bars so that seniors can easily navigate around the bathtub or shower, the toilet, and the stairs. Other areas that are frequented by seniors in the home could also benefit from an extra grab bar or two, just in case. -
Eliminate Tripping Hazards
Inspect your home for potential trip and fall areas and fix them. Also, improving the lighting of your house can help prevent falls as well.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a fall that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Loewy Law Firm today for a free consultation.