According to Injury Facts, nearly one-third of all non-fatal injuries in the U.S. are a result of falls. Falls frequently cause skinned knees or broken bones, but they can also highlight the need to make lifestyle changes.
Fall Risk for Older Adults
Thousands of older adults are injured by falling each year, and falls accounted for more than 38,000 deaths among adults 65 and older in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In fact, CDC data shows that 3 million older adults are treated in hospitals each year for fall injuries. One in four older adults fall every year.
Aging can affect vision, strength, and balance, meaning that adults over 65 are at increased risk of falling. But falls aren’t a natural part of aging. They can be prevented. Practicing balance exercises and staying active can help decrease the risk of falling. Using a walking aid like a cane or walker can make it easier for adults to navigate the world safely. Talk to a healthcare professional or physical therapist about finding the right device and fit.
Prevent Falls at Home
Falls can happen anywhere, but most of the time they occur at home. Taking preventative measures to make your home safer can help reduce the risk of falling at home.
- Clear the Floors: Remove any clutter, electrical cords, throw rugs, and other trip hazards.
- Keep Essentials Handy: Keep the items you need frequently in places where they are easy to reach.
- Arrange Furniture: Move or remove furniture to allow plenty of room for walking. If you or a loved one is using a mobility device such as a walker in the home, make sure there’s plenty of room for navigating spaces.
- Bath Safety: Add grab bars near the toilet and shower/bath. Consider making modifications to make the bathroom safer or find bath accessories such as toilet chairs and shower transfer benches to make it easier to bathe independently.
- Proper Lighting: Make sure your home has good lighting and consider nightlights or motion-activated lights for safer nighttime navigation. Make sure outdoor areas are well lit.
- Install Railings: Add stair railings on both sides of the stairs for additional support.
Following these tips can help you and your loved ones stay safer in your home.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
