All of us are more or less prone to accidents. They can happen while we’re driving, grocery shopping or working. The irony is that it is at home that accidents are most likely to happen. But not everyone is lucky enough to overcome injuries and recover from various home accidents quickly and completely. Case in point: the elderly living alone. It is up to us to help them stay safe and protected at home.
Since their job is to help the elderly living independently at home, professional providers of homecare in Brentwood are used to seeing all kinds of scenarios in the workplace, which is why they are experts at recognizing the common safety hazards in seniors’ households.
So what are the common home injuries for the senior population and what can we do to prevent them?
What injury is common in older adults?
Seniors are a particularly vulnerable group, and we are not talking about special circumstances such as the recent COVID-19 outbreak. But if the global novel coronavirus has taught us anything about elderly care, it is that we need to step up precautions to keep our elderly loved ones safe and healthy.
The most common household injuries that the elderly may suffer include:
- Car and driving-related injuries
- Burns from electrical appliances and house fires
- Fall-related fractures and injuries
- Sprains and joint dislocation
- Cuts and lacerations
- Infections
- Bedsores
Where do most falls occur in the elderly?
Older adults are at high risk of falls which may happen for various reasons, ranging from simple distractedness and forgetfulness to the effect of medical conditions and medication. According to some estimates, over a third of the senior population falls as least once a year.
For older women, the fall usually happens inside the house, while older men tend to fall in the outdoor area, be it the back yard or the garden. More frequent falls are a legitimate cause for concern, as they can result in broken bones or worse.
Surprisingly, falling down the stairs or in the bathroom is not such a frequent occurrence. In fact, these types of falls are relatively rare. In reality, it is on the flat that most falls occur.
What are the most serious consequences of a fall in the elderly?
Although falling in public may cause seniors to feel embarrassed, this is actually the best-case scenario, as it means that other people will notice the fall and provide help if necessary. But falls at home can result in far worse consequences than a skinned knee: if there is nobody around to call for help, the resulting injuries may lead to fractures, hospitalization, or even a fatal outcome.
Falls could also serve as reminders that our elderly loved ones need to adopt certain lifestyle changes or at least make changes to their homes. It is this, ironically, that may help them live longer.
How do you prevent home injuries in seniors?
To prevent injuries in your loved ones home, you need to step up precautions:
- Safety features
Upgrade safety features throughout the house, especially in the bathroom and on the stairs.
- Furniture
Secure large pieces of furniture to prevent them from tipping over.
- Declutter
Remove clutter, small obstacles and other dangerous or sharp objects throughout the house.
- Remove rugs
Remove rugs and replace them with non-slip mats to prevent slips, trips and falls.
- Water heater
Set the water heater to a lower temperature to help prevent burns.
- Food preparation
Simplify food preparation to reduce risks of fire and remove other fire sources.
- Fire risks
Install smoke & carbon monoxide detectors and add fire extinguishers.
- Lighting
Ensure proper lighting throughout the house, including the outdoor area.
Setting the bar for professional homecare in Brentwood, CA
As one of the longest-standing homecare provider referral agencies in the area, A Better Way works with families to enable their senior loved ones to experience a better quality of life. Compassionate, dedicated and reliable, these local caregivers can help turn your elderly loved one’s life around, all in the comfort of their Brentwood home. Reach out to us today and find out how your elderly parents can benefit from professional homecare.
