It's Not Hip to Fall

There's no denying the fact that as we get older the chances of tripping and falling greatly increase. If you or someone you love is over the age of 65, there are some important things you should know about what causes older people to trip and fall, how to reduce these risks, and what to do in the event of an accident.

According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, one-third of all people over the age of 65 fall each year, with at least half of those people falling multiple times per year. Many of these falls result in broken bones, with the most common injury being a fractured hip. Many senior citizens die each year due to complications from tripping and falling, such as pneumonia, clots, and loss of conditioning. One half to one-third of people over 65 who fall usually do so in their own homes. Doctors estimate that they treat approximately 250,000 hip fractures in people age 65 and older each year. The average cost of these injuries (not including doctors' care) is nearly $20,000. In addition to the physical limitations and high cost of treatment, such injuries can result in a change of lifestyle-from being active and independent to home-bound and dependent.

Such an incident occurred when Mrs. C. (names have been changed), an 80 year-old woman, was visiting her son and taking a shower in the bathroom of his home. She slipped and fell onto the hard tile floor when she stepped out of the shower onto a rug (a carpet remnant) that slid out from underneath her feet. Mrs. C. fractured her hip and was taken to the hospital. Her injuries required extensive surgery and resulted in multiple complications, including extensive pressure sores and decubitus ulcers. Mrs. C's health continued to deteriorate and she ultimately passed away. Her life was tragically shortened by this entirely preventable accident. Equally important was that her quality of her was substantially diminished after the accident.

Stories such as Mrs. C.'s are far too common. Several key factors that greatly increase the risk of an elderly person suffering a fall include osteoporosis, decreased physical activity and strength, impaired vision, medications, and environmental hazards. Some of these factors are simply part of growing older. Several, however, may be controlled or even eliminated. Here are some ways that the risk of falling can be reduced:

• Remove trip hazards such as large clutters of items or loose rugs
• Use non-slip mats, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom
• Make sure there are hand-grab bars and railing on stairways
• Install hand-grab bars in the shower and by the toilet
• Raise the toilet seat so it is easier to get off
• Improve the lighting in your house
• Avoid low chairs and other low furniture
• Make sure that there is always a phone accessible in case of a fall or injury
• Exercise on a regular basis to gain strength and balance
• Adjust medications that may cause a loss of balance
• Have regular eye examinations
• Keep driveways, sidewalk, and paths clear of ice and snow
• Keep electrical, computer, and telephone cords and cables out of the way
• Make sure you get medical care to test for and prevent osteoporosis
• Wear proper fitting and comfortable shoes or sneakers

While taking these precautions may reduce the risk of falling, nothing can completely eliminate it. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries due to a fall, call our office at (516) 822-7866 or 1-(800) 972-8144 to learn about your rights and if you or your loved one is entitled to an award for injuries.