Senior Citizen Brain Injury

Acknowledging that millions of people in the United States provide care for an older adult, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (”CDC”) created an initiative called “Help Seniors Live Better, Longer: Prevent Brain Injury” to raise awareness among children and other caregivers of senior citizens about ways to prevent, recognize, and respond to Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI in adults 75 and over.  According to the CDC, one way to help older adults live better lives and stay independent is by learning about Traumatic Brain Injury and how to prevent it.  In this regard, the CDC says that falls are the leading cause of brain injury and people 75 years of age and older have the highest rates of hospitalizations and death related to traumatic brain injury.  The CDC states further that family members and other caregivers of older adults can help protect their loved ones’ health and independence by, for example: (1) reducing their risk for falls; (2) recognizing signs of TBI after a fall occurs; and, (3) taking appropriate steps when signs of TBI are observed.  See, http://www.cdc.gov/BrainInjuryInSeniors/ .  The CDC offers materials such as a “Fact Sheet” and a brochure pertaining to preventing brain injuries in older adults.  As indicated by the CDC, the materials use a concise question-and-answer format to provide information that older adults and their caregivers may use to take an active role in preventing, recognizing and responding to TBI.  In addition, one can contact the CDC at 1(800)232-4636 or 1(888)232-6348.