There is a reason that many older people cannot live on their own. This happened to one of our neighbors twice a year. She first fell into the kitchen and broke her back. She stumbled over the rug. For several months she was in the hospital.
The second time she fell, she broke her shoulder. She is now in a nursing home. Help in home medicine for health. Marian Hoskins told us that hardwood floors, which are so fashionable now, are a danger to older people. Marian has more than 30 years of experience as an LPN on the surgical floor and ER.
She says that if older people fall on hardwood floors, they will break something. But if they fall on a soft carpet, they cannot. Many older people also slide on rugs. Wall carpet has a comfortable and uniform surface that is good for safety and to prevent falling.
And falling is a problem and danger for all older people. Even with a chronic illness, they will get along well, and then suddenly they MUST NOT.
They can break a bone or not, but a fall can cause serious problems for both the elderly and their families. Marian says thighs and arms are the most common fractures. Because of them, many older people receive care. But at least some die as a result of the fall. Stress can cause a heart attack or stroke.
At least for a while, the drug can cause dizziness or disorientation, which can lead to a fall. Even over-the-counter medications can cause dizziness. Medicines for cold and allergies, sleeping pills and many other people can cause drowsiness or dizziness.
And some older people may be overly mediated through oblivion or weight loss, both of which are common for older patients. And another problem with older people is that they can live in homes that are inaccessible.
Grab bars in bathrooms can make a difference. But few families are willing to go through breaks, expenses, and inconveniences to make the old house truly affordable.
We are promoting a building code that requires accessibility built into all new homes and buildings, especially in bathrooms. We are all getting older. And a broken leg will convince any homeowner that accessibility is desirable in any residential area.
Disability is not limited to older people. Even a temporary injury or orthopedic operation for a young person can make access very useful for all homeowners and tenants.
But grab bars are a good start for older people and can prevent the types of falls and injuries that disable and even kill some older people every year.
In addition, careful monitoring of drugs and their effects on humans can also prevent some injuries.
These falls caused by drugs and / or dangers in homes are things that can be corrected with care and good planning. Older people can do some things to help ensure their safety. Both families and carers can help. Falling injuries can take away our cherished independence. It costs a little time and money to avoid these injuries.
