Prevent Falls at home by following a few basic guidelines
The number of injuries related to falls increases as America’s elderly population increases. For many older adults, these falls can result in broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and hip fractures that can be irreparable.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 fall every year. Falls are the leading cause of injuries (and death from injury) among elderly Americans.
Here a few tips to keep you and your loved ones safe from preventable slip and fall accidents:
- Exercise regularly: We’re constantly told that exercise is good for us, in so many different ways. But for older adults, regular exercise can help improve leg strength and balance – which can significantly reduce your chances of stumbling and falling. Exercise doesn’t have to be overly strenuous – walking, weight resistance, yoga, and tai chi are a few of the many great options that can help your increase your strength and balance.
- Check your prescriptions: Review or request help from your doctor to review your medications with you. You may be surprised to find that certain medicines you’re taking may cause side effects like dehydration, dizziness, or drowsiness – that can increase your likelihood of falling.
- Take your vitamins: Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D – which is essential for good bone health.
- Wear the right shoes: Prevent balance issues by ensuring you’re wearing appropriate footwear. Shoes that are the wrong size or don’t enough support can lead to poor stability, foot pain, and higher chance of tripping.
- Check your vision: Ensure you’re getting your vision checked annually. Not being able to see properly can hinder your ability to view tripping hazards. You may also lose your balance or stumble from poor depth perception linked to poor vision. Older adults that wear bifocals or multi-focal glasses are more likely to fall walking up and down stairs.
- Customize your home: Adjusting your home to fit your needs as you age is important in helping to prevent tripping hazards. Add grab bars inside and outside of your bathtub, shower, and toilet, add railings on both sides of your stairs, and increase or improve lighting.
These are just a few of the many ways to ensure your safety within your home as you age. If you’ve experienced a fall caused by the negligence of another person, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to go over the details of your case. You deserve proper compensation for your injuries!
