Fall Injury Prevention Among Older Adults

The website boomers-with-elderly-parents.com offers tips to prevent falls for elderly parents and caregivers at http://www.boomers-with-elderly-parents.com/fall-prevention.html , saying that many caregivers involved in the elder care of aging parents do not realize how many fall hazards can be found in the common household until their elderly parent takes a bad fall and breaks a leg or hip and is hospitalized for months.  Urging caregivers for elderly parents to take precautions, the posting states that nearly half the seniors who suffer from a serious fracture, such as hip, pelvic or spinal fracture, never completely recover from the injury.  According to the posting, fall prevention, dilligence and attention can alleviate fall risks.  In this regard, caregivers can check the house for loose rugs, too much furniture, difficult to navigate stairs and bathroom stability aids, as well as medications or medical conditions which may alter vision.  In addition, caregivers can create a fall prevention, user friendly home environment by making modifications such as securing rugs, using non-skid only throw rugs, repairing loose or uneven floor boards, using non-slip wax and buff, avoiding use of furniture with design bulges, installing grab bars near toilets and placing non-skid strips on floors near sinks, showers and bathtubs, among other things.  Researching and taking steps toward reducing the risk of falls for senior citizens can provide effective fall prevention.  The website recommends checking resources such as AARP at www.aarp.org or the International Council on Active Aging at www.icaa.cc .