While slip and fall accidents may seem funny at the moment, they are actually no laughing matter. It is no secret that many people make light of falls in both real life and on the internet, but the reality is slip and fall accidents can cause devastating life-long injuries and even death. From broken bones to sprained ankles, traumatic brain injuries, and more, slip and fall accidents injure millions of people every year.
However, senior citizens are more likely to suffer severe injuries from slip and fall accidents than any other age demographic.
Slip and Falls are The Most Common Accidents Among The Elderly
According to the CDC, around 36 million older adults fall each year, resulting in over 30,000 deaths. That means that every second of every day, an adult over 65 years old falls in the United States. In addition, if an older adult falls once, they are more likely to fall again and injure themselves.
Most Common Injuries Due To Slip and Fall
Not only are older adults more likely to fall, but they are also more likely to become injured due to a fall. Here are the most common injuries due to slip and fall accidents.
- Bone breaks and fractures
- Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Hip Fractures
Fortunately, there are preventative measures seniors can take to help prevent falls and reduce the risk of injury. So if your loved one is approaching the next stage in life, here are the best ways to prevent a potential fall and mitigate the risk of injury.
Stay Active
First and foremost, the most important step to minimizing the risk of injury due to a slip and fall accident is living an active lifestyle. Therefore, making sure you or your loved one gets regular exercise is essential to preventing falls. However, it is important not to stress your body out too much as you age. Instead, opt for low-impact exercises such as walking, chair yoga, and water aerobics.
Embrace a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet and fueling your body with essential vitamins and nutrients is just as important as regular exercise. It is also extremely important to include substantial amounts of calcium and vitamin D in your diet. These vitamins will help keep your bones healthy and strong in case of a slip and fall accident. On top of vitamins, make sure to eat plenty of leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and low-fat milk and cheese.
Wear Protective Footwear
While it may seem easier to slip into sandals, slippers, or slip-on shoes, these types of footwear can increase the likelihood of a slip and fall. Instead, opt for shoes with a grippy tread and laces that are tied tight for optimized support. In addition, consider wearing shoes indoors. Socks can make floors seem more slippery and can easily get caught on loose floorboards, thresholds, and more.
Review Medications
It is no secret that certain medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and even vertigo, which can increase the likelihood of a fall. It is essential to always review your loved ones’ medication to make sure it is taken at the appropriate time. If they need medication that causes any of these symptoms, it is best to take it when they can rest such as before bed.
Prep Your Home
There are many things you can do to transform your home to make your living space more senior-friendly. Consider installing easy-to-grab railings for your stairs, installing bars in the bathroom, and moving furniture out of pathways. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even install safer non slip flooring using materials like bamboo, vinyl, and rubber.
Keep Track Of Injuries
It is also essential to keep track of slip and fall accidents and record any injuries that come from them. Remember slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere from the comfort of your home, to stores, and other public places. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a slip and fall accident, reach out to a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation.
Take The Necessary Steps
While it is impossible to guarantee slip and fall accidents won’t happen, taking the necessary steps like exercising daily and wearing the proper footwear can help minimize the risk of injuries due to a fall.
While it is impossible to guarantee slip and fall accidents won’t happen, taking the necessary steps like exercising daily and wearing the proper footwear can help minimize the risk of injuries due to a fall.
Another important step to remember is to approach an attorney following a slip and fall incident that occurred in a retail store or while out shopping. Depending on the accident’s severity, you may be unable to call such an attorney immediately. Fortunately, slip and fall injury lawyer Anidjar & Levine and many more, can help you make the most of your claim if you are located in or around the West Palm Beach Area. It would be ill-advised to pursue the case without seeking assistance from a reputable attorney.
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