Safety Tips for Seniors to Prevent Falls

The CDC reports that one out of four older adults (those over the age of 65), fall every year. What you may not know is that once you fall once, your chances of falling again are doubled. One out of every five falls results in a head injury or broken bones. Every year, 3 million seniors over 65 are treated for falls in emergency rooms and hospitals across the U.S.

Head injuries that are the result of a fall must be taken seriously, especially if a person is on certain medications, such as blood thinners. Any older person that suffers from a fall that hits their head should immediately seek medical care to make sure they are not suffering from a head or brain injury. Seniors that fall, even if they are not injured, can easily develop a fear of falling which can make them cut down on certain activities that they think may increase their chances of falling. However, becoming less active will actually make you weaker, which in turn could increase your chances of falling.

There are risk factors that can make a person more likely to suffer from a fall accident. The good thing about risk factors is that they can be identified and changed to help prevent a fall accident from occurring. These risk factors include:

• Weakness in the lower body
• Not having enough Vitamin D in your system
• Trouble with walking or balance
• Vision problems
• Inadequate footwear or foot pain
• Hazards at home, such as broken steps or uneven walkways and clutter or rugs that can be tripped over easily
• Most falls can be attributed to several risk factors, and having more risk factors means your chances of falling are increased.

The first thing you can do to prevent falls from occurring is to speak with your doctor and have them evaluate your risk for falling. They should be able to offer you guidance on specific things you can do to lower your risk. They should also review your medications, both prescription and over the counter, to see if any of them make you dizzy or sleepy. You can also ask them for their recommendation on Vitamin D supplements.

Next, you can get your eyes checked. You want to do this at least once a year and get your eyeglasses updated as your prescription changes. If you wear progressive lenses or bifocals, you may want to get a pair of eyeglasses that only have your distance prescription in them for recreational activities, like walking. Why? These types of lenses can make things appear closer or further away than they actually are.

Another great thing you can do to prevent falls is to exercise. Strength and balance exercises are a great way to make your legs and core stronger while improving your balance. Tai chi is a great example of a type of exercise that is quite beneficial.

Lastly, you can make your home safer. You want to get rid of any excess clutter or area rugs that can be tripped over. You can install grab bars in your shower or bathtub and next to your toilet. You can add on railings for both sides of stairs. More light is always a plus so that you can see, so replace your current bulbs with brighter ones and add more lights if necessary.

Both falls and traumatic brain injuries can have serious consequences on your health and finances. If were injured as a result of another person’s negligence, then you have the right to pursue compensation on your behalf for past and future medical costs, loss of income, physical and mental pain and suffering, disability, and all other expenses that your accident warrants. Contact our law firm today and learn how a slip and fall attorney can help with your claim.