In the United States, slips and falls are a frequent cause of injury. The risk increases as you get older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of senior injury deaths, non-fatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. Slips and falls can be avoided.
Many people fall in hospitals and nursing homes. Long-term care facilities are often the site of injuries due to slips and falls. If you are concerned about a loved one in an assisted living facility, nursing home, or other long-term care facility, inquire about the fall-prevention program. You can also visit the facility to evaluate it. These are the things you should be aware of:
* Slippery floors. As canes and walkers require a high level of slip resistance, all floors should be level. It is important to ensure that seniors don’t trip over loose tiles and thick carpets. Ask how the floors are cleaned. Soap scum can make them even more slippery.
However, floor cleaners are being produced by some manufacturers that improve traction. Traction-Pak by Pak-It is one example.www.pakit.comAnti-slip flooring treatment (or ) that bonds with the floor to create an anti-slip surface even when wet. This is vital because liquid spillages can cause many falls.
* Bright lighting. Brighter lighting is more important for seniors as they get older. Frosted bulbs and lamp shades can help to reduce the glare. Surface-level obstructions and changes should be clearly identified, using light strips or color contrast. Night-lights are a great way to improve your visibility at night.
* Individual fall-prevention plans. All seniors are at risk. Seniors who are visually impaired or suffer from dizziness are more likely to fall than those who are not. Ask the staff about how they can help your loved one avoid falling. They may arrange for exercise to improve or maintain mobility, or train residents in fall prevention.
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