Protect the Elderly from Fall

Fall related injuries are most common in elderly, making them immobile or causing other serious damages. Almost thirty percent elderly get injured by falling each year and admitted in the hospital for long term care. The sad part is that these accidents could be prevented.

You can give a safe and secure environment to your elderly and save them and yourself from a lot of ordeal by taking some precautions.

Bathroom injuries are the most common. You need to install grab bars and bath mats in the tub or shower. Too low or wobbly toilets also make it difficult for an elderly to balance while getting up from the seat. Proper lighting is very important not only in bathrooms but also in and around the house.

Get rid of things which can make them trip, like loose rugs or chords. Don’t give them shoes with heals or leather shoes to wear. Get them comfortable footwear with rubber or non slippery soles. Ask them to use a cane or walker to assist walking and don’t rush them into anything. Let them take their time.

Osteoporosis is another reason which makes elderly prone to falls. Lack of calcium and vitamin D can cause brittle bones. See to it that they follow the advice of the doctor and don’t skip their medicine.

Make sure that elderly go for eye and ear checkups. Ear problems can cause dizziness leading to imbalance. Make them stay seated when feeling dizzy, light headed or if they have consumed alcohol.

A fall can become a beginning of a serious decline in the health of your loved one. You can take some precautions and help them living independently.

Remember, it is your duty as a family member or a care giver to ensure that the house and surroundings are safe for an old person. As the phrase goes ‘its better to be safe than sorry’.