For Seniors who live independently the most common injuries are caused by:
- Car Accidents
- Falls
- House fires
- Infections
- Burns
In this post we are going to discuss prevention of falls and fires/burns.
Falls
Falls are the leading fatal injury among seniors.
Facts About Older Adult Falls (according to the CDC)
- About 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year—resulting in more than 32,000 deaths.
- Each year, about 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury.
- One out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.
- Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.
- More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling—usually by falling sideways.
- Women fall more often than men and account for three-quarters of all hip fractures
These injuries can lead to permanent disability and financial instability. Costs for treating falls and fall-related injuries in seniors in the US is estimated to be near $50 billion annually.
Any injury that leads to lengthy or complicated, rehabilitation can prevent you from living independently. The recovery process following a severe fall can lead to depression as well as a complete loss of physical and financial independence, making fall prevention an important consideration for all seniors.
Regular exercise under the care of a physician or physical therapist will strengthen the body, increase stability and help prevent falls. If mobility is an issue, changing your home to reduce fall hazards is also a good idea.
It is often assumed that the fall causes an injury when it can actually be a medical condition causes a fall. TIAs (often called mini-strokes), blood pressure issues or imbalances from medication can lead to falls. This was the case with my 90 year old aunt. We originally guessed she was tripping on throw rugs but it was actually a medication imbalance.
Changes to consider include:
- Obtain a medical alert notification system or webcam system
- Add handrails near steps and doors
- Add handrails and seats to showers and tubs.
- Install an elevated toilet or toilet seat.
- Remove rugs that may cause tripping.
- Remove clutter and other obstacles.
- Secure or remove furniture that may tip over.
- Remove items with sharp edges or glass tops.
- Install ramps or lift assist devices for stairs.
There are also budget-friendly smart home devices that can help improve the quality of your life at home while enjoying time alone or with friends and family.
Burns
Burns are very common among seniors—the second leading cause of death from home injuries. Seniors do not respond as quickly or as well to treatments for burns.
Individuals with vision, balance or memory issues are more likely to burn themselves accidentally or start a fire. To help prevent burns and the potential for a fire, consider:
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home.
- Simplify food preparations to avoid the need for hot burners or fire.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly. Remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
- Keep a pot lid nearby when you cook. If a fire starts in the pan, you can slide the lid over the pot and turn off the burner.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so the pots will not be knocked off.
- Keep anything that can burn away from the stove top, such as paper or cardboard food packaging or loose fitting clothes.
- Keep all rooms properly lit.
- Have fire extinguishers in the kitchen.
- Remove fire sources, including lighters, cigarettes, and candles.
- Check the kitchen after you finish cooking. Make sure the oven, burners and other appliances are off.
This list isn’t comprehensive, but it covers many basic suggestions. For more information go to https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_221.pdf
It is important to consider whether professional in-home services like errand running and personal assistants, meal delivery, regular fire/safety inspections or a caregiver may help prevent injury.
Additional Considerations
Burns and falls are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they often occur together or with other injuries. Taking time to understand the consequences of sustaining an in-home injury will guide you in taking the right preventative measures. This may seem daunting at first. However, taking these steps while you have the time and resources will help you and your loved ones keep safer.
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