Slip and falls can happen to people of any age group. However, it’s seniors that are most affected by falls. Things like medications and physical conditions can affect a person’s stability, increasing their risk for a fall.
Research shows that falls send nearly two-million people to the emergency room each year and are the sixth-leading cause of death among people 70 years of age and older.
Falls cause most accidental in-home deaths and often occur at ground level. That means most falls aren’t due to performing hazardous chores like climbing a ladder to clean the gutters but falling victim to ground-level hazards.
Keep your floors safe
Mayo Clinic offers a few suggestions for seniors to help keep their home free of walkway hazards. Making sure that you tuck electrical cords, boxes and clutter safely away, especially near staircases, is a good start.
Have any burned out light bulbs replaced and consider adding additional lighting to staircases and walkways if needed. Keeping a flashlight or two handy can help illuminate places where installing traditional light fixtures is difficult.
Finally, changing your footwear could prevent a painful slipping accident. Wearing slip-resistant shoes on slippery surfaces like tile, hardwood or linoleum may reduce your chances for a fall.
Outside of your home
Preventing falls in your own environment is much easier than in public or another person’s home. Businesses must not maintain their floors negligently. That means keeping floors dry and posting warning signs if they’ve recently mopped the area is important. Having clutter in the walkway may also be a negligent action.
Fall injuries can lead to strains, fractures and even death. Someone who has sustained a fall injury may be able to receive compensation for their bills, missed work and pain and suffering.