Slip and Fall accidents are not to be taken lightly.
Every year, millions of adults aged 65 and older experience falls. These incidents can result in moderate to severe injuries, such as hip fractures and head traumas, and even lead to premature death. Thankfully, falls are a preventable public health issue. Shockingly, one-third of Canadians aged 65 and above fall each year. Every 13 seconds, an older adult seeks emergency room treatment for a fall, while every 20 minutes, an older adult loses their life due to the consequences of a fall. Falls are the primary cause of fatal injuries and the most common reason for nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. Consequently, millions of fall-related injuries necessitate treatment in emergency departments yearly, including over 100,000 hospitalizations and thousands of fatalities. With an aging population, the financial toll of older adult falls is projected to rise. Sadly, the death rates resulting from falls among older men and women have seen a sharp increase in the past decade.
How can older adults prevent falls?
Make their homes safer by reducing tripping hazards, adding grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower and next to the toilet, adding railings on both sides of stairways, and improving the lighting in their homes.
Exercise regularly. It is important that the exercises focus on increasing leg strength and improving balance, and that they get more challenging over time. Tai Chi programs are especially good.
Ask their doctor or pharmacist to review their medicines—both prescription and over-the-counter—to identify medicines that may cause side effects or interactions such as dizziness or drowsiness.
Have their eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year and update their eyeglasses to maximize their vision. Consider getting a pair with single vision distance lenses for some activities such as walking outside.
To lower their hip fracture risk, older adults can:
• Get adequate calcium and vitamin D—from food and/or from supplements •
• Do weight-bearing exercises •
• Get screened and, if needed, treated for osteoporosis •
Custom Grab Bar Installation
Grab Bar Guy provides Custom Grab Bar Installation. We have a wide selection of ADA Approved Grab Bars to choose from to match your decor. From a 12″ Hand Grab Bar to a 24″ Shower Grab Bar to a 42″ Hallway or Toilet Grab Bar. Stainless Steel Grab Bars, White Grab Bars to decorative Antique Grab Bars, we have the finish to match your home.