How to Prevent Slip and Fall Injuries in Senior Citizens
12 Ways to Protect Seniors from Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall injuries can be devastating for senior citizens. A young person can be seriously injured from a fall. For older people, the risk is even higher. During the winter season, there is often the added concern of weather conditions creating hazardous situations.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in four Americans over age 65 fall each year. An older adult visits an emergency room for a fall injury every 11 seconds. One loses their life from a fall every 19 minutes.
Emergency rooms treat over 2.8 million injuries that resulted from a fall annually. It is the most common cause of nonfatal trauma among older adults. Falls lead to over 800,000 hospitalizations and 27,000 deaths each year.
How to Prevent Fall Injuries
- Exercise and Stay Active – Keeping your body strong and limber is essential to good health.
- Have Regular Hearing and Eye Tests – Our eyes and ears help us navigate the world. Even a minor change can lead to a fall.
- Know the Side Effects of Your Medications – Some medications could cause an issue with balance or make the patient feel dizzy.
- Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep – If you are tired, you are more likely to trip.
- Limit Alcohol Intake – Excessive alcohol consumption will increase your risk of falling.
- Do Not Stand Up Too Fast – Standing up too fast can cause blood pressure to drop.
- Use Assistive Devices – Some seniors may need help to walk with a walker or cane.
- Wear Proper Footwear – Make sure shoes fit well and have non-slip soles.
- Make Your Home Safer – Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs and clutter.
- Install Grab Bars and Railings – These can help prevent falls in bathrooms and on stairs.
- Improve Lighting – Make sure all areas of your home are well lit.
- Consider Assisted Living – An assisted living facility is designed with senior safety in mind.
Contact Ma Maison Assisted Living to learn more about our safe, senior-friendly environment.