The risk of falling increases with age and declining muscle function reduces the ability to get up. If an older person is unable to get up off the floor after a fall, the risks of any fall are far greater because of the complications that can ensue from lying on the floor for a long time—for example, pressure sores (often exacerbated by unavoidable incontinence), carpet burns, dehydration, hypothermia, pneumonia, and even death. The high proportion of seniors not transferred to the hospital, the inability to get up has a poor prognosis in terms of injury and recovery following a fall. Lying on the floor for a long time is thus one of the most serious consequences of a fall. Read more Getting help after a fall improves the chance of survival by 80% and increases the likelihood of a return to independent living.
Monthly Archives: March 2016
12 Tips to Avoid Falls
Wear shoes and slippers that have non-slip soles. Avoid wearing socks only – they might cause you to slip.
- Be extra careful if your bathroom floor becomes wet. If your bathroom has handrails, hold onto them when getting up or down. Make sure non-slip strips are in your bathtub.
- If you wear a bathrobe or nightgown, be sure it is short enough to avoid tripping on.
- Don’t leave any clothes, magazines, bags, or other objects lying around on the floor – you might trip over them.
- Place loose electrical cords or telephone wires out of walking areas.
- Before you go to sleep, place your glasses within easy reach. Get out of your bed or chair slowly. Sit up before you stand.