According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a victim dies from a fall injury every 20 minutes, and thousands more are injured from a fall. As people age, it becomes harder to navigate around, and reflexes are not as quick for an older person as they are for younger adults.
There are more than three million older adults who end up at the emergency room every year because they have suffered injuries in a fall. Almost one-third of those victims end up being admitted to the hospital because of serious injuries, including injuries to the head and hips. One in four elderly people fall, but more than half of those victims do not tell their doctors about the incidents. Many sustain injuries and suffer in silence, never receiving the proper medical care — and potentially putting themselves at risk for even more serious health issues.
There are steps seniors can take to help avoid falls and stay safe.
Discussions with Medical Providers
One of the first places a senior should go for advice to avoid falls is to their doctor. This is particularly important if they are taking medications which could affect their balance, cause drowsiness, dizziness, or other side effects which could cause them to fall. There are also certain medical conditions that can make a person more at risk of falling because the condition affects their balance or ability to walk. A senior may find it helpful to use a cane, walker, or other aid to help lower their risk of falling.
With the help of family members, seniors should evaluate their home and look for any areas that could actually be a potential fall hazard. For example, if a home has any furniture that is in the middle of the room or placed at an odd angle, it could cause the senior to lose their balance if they are trying to navigate around it. Also, look for any cords, floor mats, area rugs, or fraying carpet which could cause the senior to trip. All staircases should have railings and stair pads need to be securely fastened to the ground. Lighting is especially important, particularly if the senior needs to make several trips to the bathroom at night. It is a good idea to have solar nightlights in different areas of the home in case the electricity goes out in the middle of the night. Finally, having grab bars near the toilet and in the tub or shower can also keep seniors safe from fall injuries.
Contact an Accident Attorney
Despite how many safety tips a person follows, there are many slip and fall accidents which are caused by the negligence of another party. For example, if a property owner fails to repair a handrail on a stairway, a visitor to the property can fall and suffer a serious injury. If this happens, the victim can pursue damages for financial compensation for the losses their injury causes them.
Call a personal injury attorney, like a DC personal injury lawyer, to find out how they can help you get the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries.
Thanks to Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. for their insight into slip and fall injuries.