Preventing Accidents and Injuries in Elderly

There are two basic considerations on how to prevent accidents and injuries in elderly. First of all, we should make our surroundings safe by removing or altering objects that are hazardous. And secondly, we should learn how to handle ourselves so as to reduce the likelihood of injury.

1. Making the surroundings safe

There are a number of potential injury hazards in every home, but perhaps the most common are those which can cause falls. Falls are a much more dangerous threat to older people than they are to younger people. Balance is not as good, and it is harder to recover balance once a fall has started.

Older people are also more likely to suffer serious injuries, such as a fractured hip or a head injury. The number of falls can be reduced considerably, however, by simple precautions. Loose rugs or objects which could cause someone to trip should be removed. Railings should be placed by all stairs, including outside and cellar steps. A hand rail, or something else that can be grabbed firmly, should be available beside the bathtub, toilet seat, and bed. If there is any trouble in maintaining balance, a cane should be used. Although some people don’t like the idea of using a cane at first, they soon become very attached to it when they find they are so much safer and can do so much more when using it.

2. Moving the body safely

Older people are particularly prone to sprains and strains, especially of chronic back pain. A common causes of lower back pain is movement that places abnormal stresses on the lower spine. For example, lifting an object from the floor by bending the back is asking for trouble. The safe way to lift or pick up anything is to squat down and use the legs rather than the back to straighten up.

When getting out of a chair, the back can be protected by bending forward, tucking the feet under the edge of the chair, and pushing up with the legs and arms. The kind of chair lift that is least likely to result in back and neck pain is one that is not too low or deep and that has arm rests.

In general, sudden wrenching movements of any type should be avoided. Violent efforts, such as trying to open a stuck window, are apt to cause painful muscle and ligamentous strains if one is not used to such efforts.