Litigation

Prevent falls in the elderly

By Michael Kaplen

Fall injuries are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalization for New Yorkers.  More than one third of adults 65 years and older fall each year in the United States. Many of these falls result in traumatic brain injuries.

Help your loved one avoid slips, trips, and falls by taking the following steps proposed by the New York State Departmet of Health Injury Prevention Bureau:

Night lights: Night lights to place in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms to keep pathways visible.

Carpet tape: Carpet tape to help keep area rugs firmly in place.

Non-slip tub mats: Most falls at home occur in the bathroom. Tub mats should stick securely to the tub floor and have good tread.

Shelf grabbers: Shelf grabbers are reach aids used to obtain items placed above the head without using a step stool, allowing your loved one to maintain his or her balance.

Full post as published by Brain Injury News and Information on January 07, 2011 (boomark / email).