Each year, more than 1.6 million older U.S. adults go to emergency departments for fall-related injuries. Among older adults, falls are the number one cause of fractures, hospital admissions for trauma, loss of independence, and injury deaths.
Six out of every 10 falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety. Many falls could be prevented by making simple changes in your living areas, as well as personal and lifestyle changes.
Take steps to “fall proof” your home, both inside and outdoors:
- Remove or avoid safety hazards.
- Improve lighting.
- Install handrails and grab bars.
- Move items to make them easier to reach.
Also, check out Cooper’s Trauma Center Program on fall prevention:
Don’t Fall for Us!
Contact: Dave Groves, RN, MSN, CCRN, Trauma Outreach Coordinator
Phone: 856.342.3430
Target audience: Adults aged 55 and older
At least once a year, it is recommended that a senior’s home is checked for safety to ensure against preventable falls. To get a copy of a senior home safety check list, please visit http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.amtrauma.org/resource/resmgr/NTAM2016/Home_Safety_Checklist.pdf
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