CAUTION
Preventing Falls in the Elderly
Statistics show that falls among the elderly are the most common fatal injury in the home. It is crucial that necessary steps be taken to prevent these falls from happening. Comfort of Home Healthcare makes the safety of their clients a priority, and they need families to come alongside them in these efforts. There are specific preventative measures that can be taken in order to avoid falls among the elderly as much as possible. If the injuries from a fall are not fatal, they still cause more challenges for the elderly person as they now have to deal with the effects of the injury and the recovery process. Here are some practical steps that can be taken to help insure the safety of your home for your loved one:
- Stairways should have handles on both sides.
- Attach safety treads to steps.
- Remove all tripping hazards such as throw rugs, furniture, and any clutter from walkways.
- Use self-adhesive non-skid mats or safety treads in bathtubs, showers, bathroom floors, and pools. Any slippery surface is a potential hazard for slips and falls.
- Use non-skid rugs on bathroom floors.
- Use non-skid pads under rugs on bare floors.
- Install grab bars on both sides of toilets and bathtubs, especially those used by seniors.
- Consider having them use a walking aid, which will help with stability in and out of the home.
- Talk to their doctor about other ways to reduce the risk of falls. This may include changing medication, exercising to improve strength/balance, etc.
According to statistics in 2008, 19,700 elderly adults died from injuries they sustained during a fall. This number can be decreased if we are more aware of the risks and take the necessary steps toward preventing these falls. Our families and our loved ones will benefit as a result.
Here are some resources that will give you more information about how to assess the risk of your loved one for falls, and how to be as preventative as possible:
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