Can a Fall Be Prevented?
Thousands of older Americans fall at home each year and many are seriously injured or become disabled. In 2002, more than 12,800 people over age 65 died and 1.6 million were treated in emergency departments because of falls.
Did you know that nearly one third of our older Americans fall each year? Did you know that for people 65 years and older, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “in 2009, 2.2 million nonfatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments and more than 581,000 of these patients were hospitalized."
Here are simple things to check for to make sure your loved one’s residence (and yours) is senior safe:
Is there a light switch at the top and bottom of all the stairs?
With the light on, can you clearly see the outline of each step?
Do all stairways have sturdy handrails on both sides?
Do all handrails run the full length of the stairs slightly beyond the steps?
Are all steps in good repair - none should be broken, loose or uneven?
Are all small rugs secure when you walk on them or do they slide?
Do all the carpets, tile and/or linoleum lie flat?
Are all lamp cords and extension cords out of a walk way?
Do all entrances have outside lights on the interior and exterior?
Does the doorbell ring loudly for the hard of hearing or even consider putting in a visual alert system?
Are all walkways free and clear of holes and cracks?
Is there unnecessary clutter in any room?
Are all the doorway thresholds flat to reduce a trip hazard?
Is there a working phone jack by the bed and in the bathroom?
Do you have an emergency exit plan?
Do you have all the emergency phone numbers and are they easily accessible in the home, too?
Is the house properly sealed against cold weather?
Do you have night lights in the bedroom, bathroom and all the stairs?
Is there a smoke detector in every bedroom and hallway?
Do you have a working flashlight by the bed?
Are their grips and a rubber mat in the bathtub?
Is there a grip bar near the toilet?
Is the toilet too low, there are booster seats that raise the seat area, if needed?
Are all rugs secured?
Is there a fire extinguisher in the kitchen?
Is there a smoke detector in the kitchen?
Here is the bottom line: You cannot guarantee that a loved one will not fall but you can take the necessary steps to help prevent the fall. I hope you found this information helpful.
