Throughout the course of my career I have helped many individuals who have experienced injuries from falls. I’ve seen cases where someone fell down an elevator shaft, fell off of a roof while on the job, tripped over a hidden hazard in a shopping center, became entangled in hidden cords in a nursing home and slipped on slick pavement. Injuries from falls can range from broken bones and lacerations to broken hips and traumatic brain injury. Slip and fall accidents cause painful injuries and wreak havoc on lives.
Fall Prevention is Key
Being aware of the risk for you or your loved one is the first step in preventing a fall. Because elderly Americans are most at risk for falls and tend to suffer the most severe injuries after a fall it is especially important to take steps to prevent falls wherever an elderly person might be.
The Mayo Clinic recommends having a fall prevention plan in place.
The first step in creating the plan is to make an appointment to discuss your fall risk with your physician and to complete a fall risk assessment like the one pictured here from Johns Hopkins:
Your doctor will evaluate your risk for falling by completing the questionnaire and taking your vitals. He or she will also ask you about your fall history and any injuries you may have had. He or she will also ask about times you started to fall but were able to catch yourself. Details such as these can help when forming strategies to prevent falls.
You will also need to provide a list of all medications, over the counter drugs, vitamins and supplements. Your doctor is looking for any medications that may cause instability as a side effect. Some sedatives and antidepressants have also been associated with falls.
Be ready to discuss any medical conditions you have. Don’t disregard pain in the ears or minor vision loss. Both of these conditions are associated with falls. If you have episodes of dizziness or being light-headed, tell your doctor. These may be indicators of low blood pressure or other medical conditions that your doctor should be aware of.
Are You Afraid of Falling?
One of the lasting injuries that can occur during any fall is the damage to one’s confidence. Many people become afraid to engage in physical activity after a fall because they are afraid they will fall again. Unfortunately, not engaging in physical activity results in decreased mobility and actually increases one’s chance of falling. If you are afraid of falling again, tell your doctor. He or she may prescribe physical therapy to help you get moving again.
Prevention at Home
To prevent falls at home be sure to:
1) Remove loose items such as books, toys, shoes, and cords from the floor.
2) Throw rugs should be secured with slip-resistant backing or double sided tape.
3) Store frequently used items within easy reach.
4) Use non-slip covers in baths and showers.
5) Repair handrails, loose flooring and other hazards immediately.
6) Use nightlights and have flashlights in an easy to reach place.
Don’t Forget About Your Feet
Be sure to wear non slip shoes and never walk on hard woods or tile floor in socked feet.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, be sure to call The Thomson Law Firm at (540) 777-4900 right away for your free consultation.
