Falls become more common as people age. Therefore, older adults are at particular risk of suffering a serious fall. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that millions of people aged 65 and older fall each year. In fact, one in four older adults falls each year, but fewer than half tell their doctor about it. Sometimes, seniors and their family caregivers don’t take falls seriously because the older adult was not seriously injured. However, once an older adult falls, their chances of falling again double. The next time, they may not be as lucky. Below are 5 very good reasons to take falls seriously.

1. Cuts and Bruises

When your aging relative falls, they could end up with painful bruises. They might also cut themselves on something or fragile elderly skin may split open. Serious bruises and cuts require a trip to the emergency room. In fact, about 3 million seniors go to the emergency room each year because of a fall.

2. Fractures

One-fifth of falls result in serious injuries, including broken bones. Older adults who fall are more likely to break a bone than a younger person because their bones tend to be thinner. Hip fractures are a particularly serious form of fracture that can lead to disability. 300,000 seniors are hospitalized each year due to hip fractures. 95 percent of hip fractures happen because of falls.

3. Head Injuries

Falling can cause your older family member to hit their head either on the ground or on something as they fall. In fact, the CDC says that falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries.

4. Hospitalization

800,000 people end up in the hospital every year because of a fall. Hospital stays are costly. While your aging relative’s insurance or Medicare policy may pick up some of the costs, they are likely to be left with large medical bills afterward.

5. Death

Sadly, falls can also result in death. The National Council on Aging reports that a senior dies from a fall every 19 minutes.

Elderly care can help your aging relative to avoid falls in several ways. An elderly care provider can walk with the older adult, allowing the senior to hold their arm to help keep them steady. Elderly care providers can also help to reduce falls in the house by cleaning up the house to remove clutter from walkways. In addition, an elderly care provider can help the senior to stand up from chairs to prevent a fall caused by pain or joint stiffness.

Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html
https://www.ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/

If you or an aging loved one is considering elderly care in Herndon, VA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands today. (703) 982-0050.