Safety Tips that Help Prevent Elderly Falls

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Safety Tips that Help Prevent Elderly Falls
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Elderly Falls
Injuries from a fall can happen to anyone at any
age, but the elderly are more vulnerable than any
other group. It is estimated that approximately
one in every three seniors over 65 years of age
will seek treatment at an emergency room this
year from fall-related injuries. Unlike young
people who suffer a fall, the elderly are far
more likely to experience long-term consequences
as a result. Their overall health and
independence can be jeopardized from injuries
sustained from a fall that could have been
prevented just by employing some common sense
safety measures in the home.
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Steps to Reduce the Risk of Falling
Keep stairs and open areas of the house free of
objects such as clothing, toys, books or other
items that a person could trip over and fall.
Encourage the elderly person to wear shoes with
rubber soles at all times, even in the house.
Wearing only socks or house slippers do not
provide the needed traction
Use only non-slip throw rugs in all rooms of the
house, especially in the bathroom.
Encourage anyone with a limp or balance problems
to use a cane or walker to establish stability
when walking.
Install bright lighting everywhere in the home.
Stair lights are especially important.
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Recommended Safety Equipment
Sturdy handrails must be installed on both sides
of the stairs. An additional safety feature is to
have built-in lights on each stair.
Provide a cell phone or cordless phone to
discourage having to run or hurry to answer the
phone in another room.
Do not place any rugs on the stairs or at the top
or bottom.
Provide a flashlight and extra batteries to be
kept beside the bed.
Install grab bars in the bathroom next to the
bathtub and toilet.
Place as many items as possible on the lower
shelves in cabinets to prevent the need for a
step stool.
Add more overhead lights and lamps in all rooms
to eliminate dark areas.
Place salt on steps and sidewalks if snow or ice
is present.
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Slipping or falling
Slipping or falling does not have to be an
inevitable part of getting older. If the proper
actions are taken by loved ones or caretakers, an
elderly person should not have to suffer any
injuries associated with falling. So many
injuries related to falling such as traumatic
head injuries or hip, leg or arm fractures can be
prevented. Because falls are the leading cause of
injury for the elderly, family members and other
caretakers should take action to help protect
them from falling victim to preventable
accidents. Taking an inventory of possible
hazards in the home that can cause serious injury
to an elderly person is the first step toward
prevention.
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Thank You!
Our mission at Home Care Assistance of El Paso
County is to change the way the world ages. We
provide older adults that reside in Colorado
Springs and El Paso County with quality care that
enables them to live happier, healthier lives at
home. We invite you to call us today to speak
with a professional care manager at (719)
822-1229 about our services.
325 Second Street Suites H I Monument,
http//www.homecareassistancecsprings.com/
Address
CO 80132
Phone
[phone]
Web