The number of fall-related injuries in older adults has been increasing in the past years. In fact, our experts in orthopedics in Boca Raton has dealt with many injuries caused by falling accidents. This calls for a more aggressive campaign on how to prevent these incidents, especially at home. Whether it is in a nursing home or a family member’s home, safety precautions need to be observed at all times.
What statistics say
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there was a 30% increase in the number of fall-related cases involving older adults from 2007 to 2016. It is being projected that if this rate continues, there will be seven fall-related deaths every hour by 2030.
This calls for quick action on how to prevent these falls, since the health consequences are anything but pleasing.
- Fall-related injuries affect 3 million older adults in the United States every year.
- More than 800,000 of these patients are confined in the hospital for treatment of hip fracture or head injury.
- Over 95% of recorded hip fracture cases in older adults are caused by falling.
- One in five falls lead to fatal injuries such as bone fractures and head injury. In fact, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury in older adults.
Why fall-related incidents are common in older adults
Older adults aged 65 and above are at risk of falls because of many different factors. These include fragile bones, balance and visual problems, foot problems such as arthritis, body weakness, and side effects of medicines. More often, falls happen due to a combination of multiple factors.
With these factors to consider, it is important to reduce, if not totally eliminate, home hazards and dangers that can further predispose seniors to fall incidents and fall-related injuries.
Home precautions to prevent falls
Here are some tips and home precautions that our doctors in orthopedic, Boca Raton recommend to prevent fall-related injuries:
- Remove clutter and hazards that seniors can trip over.
- Arrange furniture so that they don’t obstruct the hallway.
- Don’t use slippery rugs. Use rugs with rubber pads or adhesives.
- Add grab bars next to the toilet, in the shower, and next to the bathtub.
- Improve lighting and ventilation.
- Make sure that there are no loose floor boards.
- Keep the floor dry at all times. Wipe any spillage immediately.
For seniors who are taking medications, it is best if you know the side effects of the medicine. If you are not sure, you can always ask your doctor.
What to do in case of fall-related incident?
If you become involved in a fall accident and suffer from fall-related musculoskeletal injuries, don’t hesitate to go to the nearest center for orthopedics in Boca Raton. You will have to be assessed for injuries and given prompt treatment.
Orthopaedic Surgery Associates has helped many orthopedic patients improve their health and quality of life throughout the years. We have qualified specialists and state-of-the-art technology – you are in good hands. You can also request an appointment or call us at (561) 395-5733.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
