The number one reason seniors can go downhill fast

There’s a reason so many seniors can’t live independently. It happened to one of our neighbors twice in one year. She fell first in her kitchen and broke her back. She tripped over an area rug. She was in the hospital for months.

The second time he fell, he broke his shoulder. He is now in a nursing home. Marian Hoskins, home health personal aide, told us that hardwood floors that are so fashionable right now are a hazard for seniors. Marian has over 30 years of experience as an LPN on the surgical floor and in the ER.

She says if old people fall on a hardwood floor, they’ll break something. But if they land on a cushioned rug, they may not. Many older people also slip on carpets. Wall-to-wall carpet has a comfortable, even surface that is good for safety and fall prevention.

And falls are a problem and a danger for all older people. Even with a chronic illness, they’ll get along and suddenly NOT be okay.

They may or may not break a bone, but a fall can cause serious problems for both seniors and their families. Marian says the most common fractures are to the hips and arms. And many older people end up in nursing care because of them. But at least some die from a fall. Stress can cause a heart attack or stroke.

At least sometimes, a medication can cause dizziness or disorientation that can lead to a fall. Even over the counter medications can cause dizziness. Cold and allergy medicines, sleeping pills, and many others can cause drowsiness or dizziness.

And some older people may be overmedicated from forgetfulness or weight loss, both of which are common for older patients. And another problem that older people face is that they may be living in homes that are not accessible.

Grab bars in bathrooms can make all the difference. But few families are willing to go through the disruption, expense, and inconvenience of making the old home truly affordable.

We advocate for a building code that requires built-in accessibility in all new homes and buildings, especially bathrooms. We are all getting old. And a broken leg will convince any homeowner that accessibility is desirable in any living space.

Disability is not limited to older people. Even a temporary injury or orthopedic operation for a young person can make accessibility a great benefit for all homeowners and renters.

But grab bars are a good start for seniors, and could prevent the kinds of falls and injuries that disable and even kill some seniors each year.

Additionally, careful monitoring of medications and their effect on an individual may also prevent some injuries.

These falls caused by medications and/or household hazards are things that can be fixed with care and good planning. Seniors can do a few things to help ensure their safety. And families and caregivers can help too. Fall injuries can take away our precious independence. It is worth investing a little time and money to avoid these injuries.