How to Avoid Slip and Falls as an Older Adult
Michael Babboni
Personal Injury
As we age, the risk of falls and injuries increases. In the US alone, one adult aged 65 or older is admitted to the emergency room every 11 seconds because of a fall. One in four older adults fall each year. And a fatality results from a fall every 19 seconds.Here is how to avoid slip and falls as an older adult.
Create a Safer Environment
It all starts with creating a safer environment. Most falls occur in the home, so you must make a plan to decrease the risk of falling. To do this, you can add railings or grab bars to the bathtub and next to the toilet, keep all clutter off the stairs and out of walkways, keep all shelved items within reach, and make sure each area of the home is well-lit.
If you lack light in the home, visibility is decreased. Have an electrician install an overhead light and light switch at the top and bottom of the staircase if there isn't already one. Night lights can also be used to illuminate the path throughout the home and improve visibility at night.
Stay Physically Active
Did you know that staying physically active can reduce your risk of slip and falls? When older adults engage in regular exercise, they are improving their muscles and gaining strength. Exercise also helps joints, tendons, and ligaments and keeps the body as flexible as possible. A brisk walk or stair climbing are two exercises an older adult can do to stay active.
Eye and Ear Testing
Another way to avoid falls is to get your eyes and ears tested. Even a small change in your eyesight or hearing can lead to a fall. If you have recently acquired new eyeglasses, it may also take some getting used to. If you wear contacts or glasses, make sure to wear them when you need them. If you have a hearing aid, make sure it fits and is working properly.
Proceed With Caution
When out and about, you must pay attention to your surroundings to help avoid a slip and fall. Watch for wet floor signs and other situations that can cause one to fall. While out, wear the proper footwear as well. Non-skid shoes with a rubber sole are ideal and are good support for the feet.
What If You Fall?
Whether you are at home or in public, if you fall, it can be upsetting. If it happens, you must stay as calm as possible. Take several deep breaths to relax, and this will help you get over the shock of a slip and fall.
Next, determine if you were hurt and need medical assistance. If you get up too quickly, you could potentially make any injuries you had sustained worse.
Get help standing up and rest. Doing so will allow your blood pressure to return to a normal and safe level, and you can adjust. If you are out alone, make sure to have a mobile phone handy, so you can call someone if you need assistance.
Who Is Liable?
If you slip and fall and injure yourself on someone else's property and you believe that the accident was due to the fault or negligence of the property owner, then they may be liable for your injuries.
Those who may be responsible include retailers, building managers, and landlords. Each of these people has a duty of care to visitors. If the accident was caused by negligence or the breach of duty of any of these people, they might be responsible.
A slip and fall is typically the result of a hazard or some kind of obstacle that shouldn't have been where it was. If you feel that you are entitled to compensation due to your slip and fall accident, don't hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your case.