September 23, 2015 marks the 8th annual Fall Prevention Awareness Day (FPAD).
A recent CDC (Centers for Disease Control) announcement reports that, “Annually in the United States, 2.5 million persons aged ≥65 years are treated in emergency departments for injuries from falls”, or every 13 seconds according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA). The NCOA also states that, “Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans.”
While falls can occur at any age, our flexibility and balance can change as we age, which creates new challenges.
We encourage seniors and their loved ones to check out the resources listed below, and especially to consider the 6 Steps to Preventing a Fall, which include:
- Find a good exercise and balance program.
- Talk to your health care provider about risks.
- Review your medications with providers and pharmacists to see if any increase risk of falling.
- Get vision and hearing tested on regular basis.
- Keep your home safe (check for clutter and good lighting, perhaps add grab bars.
- Talk to your family and loved ones – seniors are not the only ones who can suffer fall-related injury.
RESOURCES
NCOA Falls Prevention Fact Sheet
NCOA Flyer: 6 Steps to Prevent a Fall
Rosen & Spears wish all a safe, and fall-free Fall season.
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Rosen & Spears is a Texas based law firm helping seniors and others who experience nursing home neglect or nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, and other personal injury related claims. For more information, please contact us today.
