The devastation of a fall - avoiding injuries and broken bones
Nothing can zap an individual like a fall. Whether you lose your balance, slip on an icy spot or tumble down a set of stairs, falling can be a devastating event regardless of your age and health. Obviously seniors pose additional risks where falling is concerned, but overall a fall can injure anyone and the outcome could be serious or fatal.
Kate Shumaker, local OSU Extension Family Consumer Agent, wants to remind people that falls can take place inside the safety of their own homes as quickly as on an icy sidewalk. For the most part individuals are more conscious of falls during winter weather, but once they step safely inside their home, they tend to let their guard down.
“Falls are actually the leading cause of accidental death among the elderly,” Shumaker said. “Falls account for about half of all accidental deaths in the home. It’s even more serious if a person lives alone in a rural area because help may be 30 minutes or more away.”
According to Shumaker, most injuries caused by falls happen at ground level and not from high places. Also, the chance of falling increases when it is dark or when things are not put away. Falls sometimes occur as the result of a spill that has not been cleaned up quickly.
“Anyone is more likely to fall when they are sick, tired, rushed or emotionally upset,” she added. “You are also more likely to fall when using alcohol or drugs, whether by prescription or not.”
In many cases accidents occur because someone has been careless. It may be quicker to change a light bulb by climbing on a chair than getting a ladder. It’s also quicker to take larger loads up and down stairs. As simple as these two scenarios may sound, many people fall from taking shortcuts just like these. Being aware of safety must be a priority in any home, whether inside or out.
“Throw rugs, for example, can ‘throw’ you for a tumble,” Shumaker said. “You should always use throw rugs heavy enough to lie flat, and tape their edges down to keep them from skidding. Use rugs with nonskid backing in places where they cannot be taped down, or simply nail them in place. Also, wipe up spills immediately and do not stretch electrical cords across rooms or run extension cords underneath rugs or carpets.”
Stairways are well-known for mishaps. Nearly one million people require hospital treatment for falls on stairs and steps each year. Keep your stairs and steps well lit and free of objects. Make sure that light switches are accessible from the top and bottom of the stairway and check for sturdy handrails.
“Just take your time going up and down stairs,” Shumaker said. “Use extra time when going up or down when wearing high heels, house slippers, robes or long dresses. Never use rugs at the top or bottom of stairs and for outdoor steps mix paint with sand for a rough, non-slip surface.”
Although we’ve enjoyed a fairly mild winter thus far, chances are we will see some snow and ice eventually. Make sure you are ready for a weather change. Have rock salt, shovels and de-icer on hand and be prepared.
“Take care of your own porch or steps with salt or shoveling,” Shumaker said. “Keep an eye out for an elderly relative or neighbor and help them clear their area if you can. But don’t forget about places beyond your control. Parking lots, sidewalks and other areas you may travel could be icy so be careful. Wear shoes or boots that are non-slip and made for snowy and icy conditions. Also take it very slow; haste really does make waste especially where falls are concerned.”
Taking a little extra time and evaluating your house, outdoor steps, basements and garages could pay off in the long run. Many times a broken hip or leg is the beginning of a long spiral of health problems for an elderly person. Younger people as well can face surgeries, recuperation time and physical therapy from a fall and break. Falls are painful, expensive and the healing process can be long, so use these next few warm days to do a quick check of your home on the inside and make sure you’re set for bad weather on the outside. You’ll be glad you did.
Kate Shumaker, local OSU Extension Family Consumer Agent, wants to remind people that falls can take place inside the safety of their own homes as quickly as on an icy sidewalk. For the most part individuals are more conscious of falls during winter weather, but once they step safely inside their home, they tend to let their guard down.
“Falls are actually the leading cause of accidental death among the elderly,” Shumaker said. “Falls account for about half of all accidental deaths in the home. It’s even more serious if a person lives alone in a rural area because help may be 30 minutes or more away.”
According to Shumaker, most injuries caused by falls happen at ground level and not from high places. Also, the chance of falling increases when it is dark or when things are not put away. Falls sometimes occur as the result of a spill that has not been cleaned up quickly.
“Anyone is more likely to fall when they are sick, tired, rushed or emotionally upset,” she added. “You are also more likely to fall when using alcohol or drugs, whether by prescription or not.”
In many cases accidents occur because someone has been careless. It may be quicker to change a light bulb by climbing on a chair than getting a ladder. It’s also quicker to take larger loads up and down stairs. As simple as these two scenarios may sound, many people fall from taking shortcuts just like these. Being aware of safety must be a priority in any home, whether inside or out.
“Throw rugs, for example, can ‘throw’ you for a tumble,” Shumaker said. “You should always use throw rugs heavy enough to lie flat, and tape their edges down to keep them from skidding. Use rugs with nonskid backing in places where they cannot be taped down, or simply nail them in place. Also, wipe up spills immediately and do not stretch electrical cords across rooms or run extension cords underneath rugs or carpets.”
Stairways are well-known for mishaps. Nearly one million people require hospital treatment for falls on stairs and steps each year. Keep your stairs and steps well lit and free of objects. Make sure that light switches are accessible from the top and bottom of the stairway and check for sturdy handrails.
“Just take your time going up and down stairs,” Shumaker said. “Use extra time when going up or down when wearing high heels, house slippers, robes or long dresses. Never use rugs at the top or bottom of stairs and for outdoor steps mix paint with sand for a rough, non-slip surface.”
Although we’ve enjoyed a fairly mild winter thus far, chances are we will see some snow and ice eventually. Make sure you are ready for a weather change. Have rock salt, shovels and de-icer on hand and be prepared.
“Take care of your own porch or steps with salt or shoveling,” Shumaker said. “Keep an eye out for an elderly relative or neighbor and help them clear their area if you can. But don’t forget about places beyond your control. Parking lots, sidewalks and other areas you may travel could be icy so be careful. Wear shoes or boots that are non-slip and made for snowy and icy conditions. Also take it very slow; haste really does make waste especially where falls are concerned.”
Taking a little extra time and evaluating your house, outdoor steps, basements and garages could pay off in the long run. Many times a broken hip or leg is the beginning of a long spiral of health problems for an elderly person. Younger people as well can face surgeries, recuperation time and physical therapy from a fall and break. Falls are painful, expensive and the healing process can be long, so use these next few warm days to do a quick check of your home on the inside and make sure you’re set for bad weather on the outside. You’ll be glad you did.
Published: January 9, 2012
