Prevention of Injuries in the Geriatric Community

As someone gets older, it comes with a lot of changes to how they live. Incidents that they could once walk off and go about their day without any issue when they were younger suddenly become life-altering when they are elderly. There are ways to make sure it’s less likely to occur, ranging from a change in footwear to organizing a living space and reaping the benefits of physical therapy for seniors. Contact Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions today to learn more. 

The Stats of Falls Among the Elderly

The stats do not lie. There are plenty of elderly people suffering from injuries as a result of falling. From the CDC:

• A serious injury is created from one out of every five falls.
• The death rate from falls has risen every year from 2007 to 2016.
• Over three million elderly Americans a year are treated in the emergency room for fall-related injuries.

Things That Can Help Limit Chances of Injury

It might seem like it’s inevitable for the elderly to suffer injuries with one in four in the United States of America suffering from a fall every year and the rates being double for those that have already fallen. But there are ways to decrease the chances of it happening. Things like:

• Checking Your Home for Safety Hazards- From shoes to rugs to a pile of laundry, any of these can cause someone to trip and fall. To prevent them from being an issue, keep the necessities organized in spots that are out of the way and keep areas clear of messes so someone can walk through with no problem. 
• Exercise- It might seem like moving around might increase the risk of injury by fall, but it’s found that exercising regularly, in particular physical activity focused on strength and balance, can lessen the chances of falling. 
• Choose Your Footwear Carefully– Some footwear, like sandals and high heels, are far more likely to cause the wearer to fall than other footwear. So when it comes to picking what to wear on your foot, stick with the shoes that are easy to walk in.
• See Your Doctor- It can be hard to find the time, but make the time to see a doctor and have a discussion with them. Go over medications that you are taking and the side effects of them, talk about any falls you had in the past with as many details as you can remember, and go over any conditions you have to get a clearer picture of what you are facing and how to address it.

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors

At first thought, it might seem like to receive the benefits of physical therapy for seniors that they have to be injured, but that’s not the case. As trained medical professionals, physical therapists can help their patients figure out the best ways to prevent injuries before it happens. They can inform their patients of their limits, when to progress their exercises, which types of physical activity would help them most, and more. With the help of their therapist, the patient can maintain their physical health safely.

Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions 

If you are or a loved one is looking to experience the benefits of physical therapy for seniors, Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions can help with our team of professionals. We can be contacted through this link.