Aging is never easy. Our bodies start to force us to take things easy and avoid situations that may potentially injure us. But, sometimes injuries are just unavoidable. That is why it’s important to understand what the most common injuries are to help reduce your risk.
South Coast Post Acute is one of southern California’s leading post-acute facilities that helps you conquer your injury. It’s never easy rehabilitating your body after an injury, but our skilled staff will be there to guide you every step of the way. Read our blog post below to learn some of the most common injuries for older adults.
Falls Are The Leading Cause of Injuries Among Seniors
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 36 million older adults fall each year – resulting in more than 32,000 deaths. Falls can range from minor to severe and can have a huge impact on our hips, pelvis, and vertebrae fractures. Oftentimes, these accidents require major surgery to repair. Costs for treating falls and fall-related injuries are estimated to be near $50 billion.
While it’s hard to prevent falls outside your home, you can safeguard your home from potential falls. This may include:
- Adding handrails and seats to showers and tubs
- Placing non-slip mats in some areas
- Removing rugs that may cause tripping
- Removing clutter and other obstacles
- Securing furniture that may tip over
- Removing items with sharp edges or glass tops
- Installing an elevated toilet or toilet seat
- Installing ramps or lift assist devices for stairs
Burn Injuries
Another prominent injury older adults experience are burns. It is the second leading cause of death from home injuries according to Home Advisor, as older adults do not respond well to burn treatments. As a result, this makes burn prevention a critical issue.
Individuals with balance, vision, or memory issues are more likely to burn themselves or start a fire. Conditions such as peripheral neuropathy dramatically increase the chances of a person experiencing a severe burn.
To help prevent burns and the potential for a fire, you should consider:
- Setting water heaters to a lower temperature
- Installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home
- Integrating strobe lights for those who are hard of hearing. However, strobe lights should not be used by those who are prone to seizures, epilepsy, or migraines
- Planning an escape route
- Keeping all rooms properly lit
- Having fire extinguishers in the kitchen
- Simplifying food preparations to avoid the need for hot burners or fire
- Removing fire sources including lighters, cigarettes, and candles
Choking
Food safety is a major concern for older adults, especially those who experience problems with their vision, allergies, and memory. The risk of choking is even higher if you’ve experienced a stroke or other motor impairments.
To prevent food-related accidents, containers and storage areas should have big, readable labels. Additionally, the purchase date and/or “best before” date should be indicated on the labels you’ve created. Also, when preparing food you should make sure that the texture and size of the ingredients are appropriate and won’t cause you to choke.
South Coast Post Acute Helps People Recover From Injuries
South Coast Post Acute is a 5-star rated Medicare facility and private healthcare community in Southern California. For over 40 years, we’ve provided first-class service that emphasizes a high level of compassion and spirit.
When you enroll in our facility, you aren’t just treated as a patient, you’re treated like family. With a wide range of health services, our team of professionals is capable of helping you. Contact us today and learn how South Coast Post Acute’s staff can help you return to a normal life.