Injury Prevention Safety Tips for Seniors

 

Unfortunately, nearly one and a half million adults ages 65 and older visited emergency
rooms last year with home‐related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC). As Americans are living longer and more active than ever, it
is important to understand the risks and how to help prevent accidental injuries.

Falls and fires are two leading causes of unintentional injuries and deaths among adults 65 and older. Common accidents include falling and tripping on stairs, in bath tubs, off ladders and step stools, over pets and household appliance cords. Following a few simple safety precautions can help prevent accidental injuries.

Tips to Help Prevent Falls

  • Keep all stairs and walkways cleared of any obstacles.
  • Remove loose carpets, cords, and other items you could trip over.
  • Be sure all rugs and floor mats are non‐skid, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
  • When using stairs, always grip the handrails. And make sure that the top and bottom of stairs are well lit.
  • Install nightlights in hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms.
  • Install grab bars and slip‐resistant surfaces in your bathroom tub and showers.
  • Use only stable step stools with a top handrail. Don’t climb alone – have someone nearby to help you.
  • Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying down position.
  • Be sure your telephones and emergency numbers are easily accessible – so you can get help if you fall.
Caution

Important Stats and Info about Falls

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, among those 75 and older, about 3/4 of emergency room visits associated with consumer products involved falls. Typical scenarios for falls included: falls down stairs, transitioning from standing (and vice versa) on furniture, toilets, beds, bathtubs, etc., tripping over obstacles on the floor, and falling off ladders and step stools.

Help Prevent Fire Deaths and Injuries

  • Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on every floor of your home.
  • Install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm outside every sleeping area.
  • Keep space heaters away from flammable materials. Hire a professional to check all fuel‐burning appliances, including fireplaces, every year.
  • Don’t smoke in bed.
  • Don’t wear loose‐fitting clothing with long sleeves near ranges or ovens.
  • Practice an emergency fire escape plan.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Tips for Seniors with Pets

Pets and dog leashes can cause serious falls.

 

Seniors with pets should be conscious of where their pet is at all times. If you walk your dog on a leash, make sure there is nothing outside that would distract them when you open the door. This will help prevent your dog from quickly pulling and causing you to trip or fall.

 

 

These are just a few things you can do to help prevent falls and other accidental injuries. Please visit Montlick.com or HelpKeepKidsSafe.org and click on “Family Safety and Legal Tips,” to see our latest safety videos and downloadable materials, and to register for Free Safety Alerts.

 

This "Injury Prevention Safety Guide for Seniors" is presented by Atlanta, Georgia Injury Lawyers, Montlick & Associates

According to a special report released by the CPSC, those 75 years and older are twice as likely as adults 65 to 74 to have emergency room-treated injuries from consumer products. Many of the injuries associated with the products resulted from consumer behavior rather than a defect in the product. Research shows that safety education, combined with a little extra care, can prevent most injuries. That's why Georgia Injury Lawyers Montlick & Associates created the safety guide above. At Montlick & Associates, we don't just help accident victims; we're also committed to helping you prevent injuries.