Most Common Accidents Amongst Seniors

Most Common Accidents Amongst Seniors

Age weakens both the body and the mind. Brains that are filled with a lifetime of experiences suddenly start to experience hazy memories and forgetfulness, and bodies that were once strong start to fall victim to illness and injury. While some people are quick to realize this and hire the services of a professional in-home care provider, others are more reluctant to give up the freedom and independence they have known all their lives. This could lead to falls and injuries that could have otherwise been avoided. Keeping that in mind, the following are some of the most common accidents among seniors that you need to be aware of.

Slips and Falls

Injuries due to slipping or falling are at the top of the list for seniors when it comes to non-fatal injuries. According to a report by the NCBI, falling amounts to more than 75% of all injuries experienced by seniors who are above the age of 65. Some of the most common reasons for falls amongst the elderly are uneven or slippery floors, unstable furniture, or a lack of proper lighting, all of which may lead to a person losing their balance and falling down.

One of the most effective ways of preventing injuries due to falling is by installing grab bars in the areas of the house that are frequented more often. Some of the areas where you can install grab bars or handrails are the bathroom, on the stairs, and in the kitchen. In short, any accident-prone area of the house should have grab bars installed to prevent falls. Families are also advised to purchase non-slip footwear for their elderly loved ones and make sure that every room of the house is properly lit, including the hallway and walkways. Families should also try to avoid using strobe lights, especially if their elderly loved one is prone to migraines or seizures.

Burns

Burns come in at a close second when it comes to the most common accidents amongst seniors. Most elderly people get burned due to unsafe heat-generating devices, and seniors who use the kitchen more often are at a higher risk of getting burned. It has been recommended that homes of seniors should have anti-scald devices installed in them.

Some of the main places to install these anti-scald devices should be the kitchen, bathtubs, showers, and sinks. Also, it is important to invest in appliances that are well-built and have safety mechanisms installed. To prevent fires, it is advised to install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in all of the rooms in the house, including the kitchen.

You can also simplify the process of cooking by investing in long oven mitts if your elderly loved one likes to bake or use the oven a lot. Avoid using hot burners or fire while preparing food and remove all fire sources, such as candles and lighters, from the house.

These are some of the most common causes of injury for seniors at home. If you’d like to know of any other possible dangers to your senior loved one that’s hidden in plain sight, you can always hire the services of a professional in-home care provider who can help guide you through the process of accident-proofing your home.