Unless it’s from a significant height, many of us can handle falling without batting an eyelash. We’ll walk away from most slips, trips, and falls with only our ego slightly bruised. For the elderly, however, a slip and fall could lead to severe or even fatal injuries. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than one-third of American seniors, 65 and older, fall each year and every 11 seconds one is treated in the emergency room for a fall.
Why Falls Are Hazardous For The Elderly
The risk of falling increases with age and many older adults have a fear of falling. More than 2.5 million older adults will visit U.S. emergency rooms every year for fall-related injuries. Older bodies are less resilient to the trauma of a fall than younger people. A majority of seniors who fall have pre-existing disabilities, medical complications, or are simply already frail. Even falls that seem minor can lead to severe injuries or death.
Some of the most frequent fall-related injuries include head traumas, lacerations, and broken bones. Elderly individuals may break their arm, hand, ankle, pelvis, spine, or hip in a fall. Falls are also a leading cause of traumatic brain injury and 95 percent of hip breaks originate with a fall.
Fall Hazard Prevention
Seniors can take several steps to help themselves avoid being the victim of a slip and fall accident. Follow these tips to prevent having a severe and debilitating fall:
- Regularly exercise – Seniors should commit to regular exercise, focusing on improving balance and building/maintaining muscle strength.
- Check your vision – Weak or blurry eyesight are big contributors to falls. If you haven’t had your eyesight evaluated, it’s a good idea. In addition, removing bifocals or multifocal glasses while walking can also reduce your chance of falling.
- Implement environmental safety measures – Seniors can make their home safer from falls by adding safety elements such as handrails to stairs and hallways, installing adequate lighting, and removing slipping hazards, such as loose rugs.
- Consult with a doctor about medications – Certain medications cause drowsiness or dizziness, which could lead to a fall. Talk to you doctor about alternative medications and only use drugs as prescribed.
- Wear appropriate footwear – A good pair of shoes can provide support and enough friction to prevent a fall. Socks, stocking, and slippery shoes should be avoided.
- Turn the lights on – Even if you know your house like the back of your hand, having proper illumination is key to preventing falls. Turn on the lights rather than walking around the house in the dark.
Cobb County Slip And Fall Attorney
If you or an elderly loved one has fallen, you may be eligible for compensation. When a fall results from a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, an experienced slip and fall attorney can help with your case. Contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter if you have questions about a slip and fall case and need help. Our legal team has extensive experience handling cases throughout Georgia.
