Falls are one of the most common fears that seniors and their families have when seniors are aging in place. Those fears are justified. Every year more than three million seniors are treated in the emergency room due to falling, according to the CDC. And of those 3 million seniors that fall more than 800,000 are admitted for hospital stays because of their injuries. Getting home care services is a great way to help a senior parent prevent falls at home.
There are a lot of things that seniors and their families can do to help prevent falls at home. A home care provider can help your senior parent get around the house safely. They can also make sure that the home environment is safe for seniors by removing tripping hazards. But even then seniors may end up experiencing a fall at home.
When seniors fall at home the most common injuries they experience are:
Fractures
Fractures are the most common injury that seniors experience when they fall. There are more than 800,000 seniors who fracture a hip falling every year. Doctors say that hip fractures are the most common injury to seniors that results from a fall because seniors often fall sideways, landing on a hip. Because seniors often have poor bone density or osteoporosis they are prone to breaking bones when they fall.
Head Injuries
Another common injury that occurs when seniors fall are head injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can take a long time to heal, and any kind of brain injury increases a senior’s risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Head injuries can cause memory loss, changes in personality, and other long-lasting symptoms even if they are mild.
Sprains and Strains
Seniors who can avoid breaking bones may still suffer from sprains and strains. When seniors fall they may twist their limbs at odd angles or overextend their joints trying to avoid the fall which can cause muscle strains and sprains. Sprains can take a long time to heal, but often seniors don’t have any long-term mobility loss as a result of a sprain.
Bruises and Cuts
Seniors tend to bruise easily because of the changes in their skin that happen with age. So, don’t be alarmed if your senior parent develops some horrifying-looking bruises as a result of a fall. Often the injury isn’t as bad as the bruise makes it look. But any bruises should still be checked by a doctor in case the blood vessels under the skin have been damaged.
Dislocations
Joint dislocations can happen if seniors fall awkwardly or try to stick out their arms to avoid more serious injuries when they fall. Shoulder and hip dislocations are very common when seniors fall at home. While a dislocation may not be a serious injury it can cause pain in that joint for a long time after the injury.
Back Injuries
When seniors fall they may twist their backs or land on their backs which can cause pinched nerves, compression fractures, and dislocations in the vertebrae. Back injuries can affect seniors’ mobility and should be immediately treated by a doctor. Even if your senior parent says that the injury isn’t serious if they fall on their back it’s a good idea to get an MRI and other tests done to see if there is any serious injury.
Sources: https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/home-and-community/safety-topics/older-adult-falls/
https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Coconut Creek FL, please contact the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call 954-962-0926
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Florida including Palm Beach, Miami Dade, and Broward County.
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