Top 7 Fall-Related Injuries among Seniors

As seniors age, their risk of slipping and falling may increase due to lack of energy, limited mobility, and cognitive impairment. Falls can lead to serious injuries for seniors, including fractures and broken bones. Take a look at some of the most common fall-related injuries experienced by seniors.

1. Head Injuries

Head injuries can range from a mild bump to a severe trauma such as a concussion or skull fracture. Adding adequate lighting and nonslip mats in the home could reduce your loved one’s risk of falling. Your parent should also avoid wearing loose clothing and slippery shoes. Aging adults can significantly reduce their risk of fall-related injuries by receiving mobility assistance from professional caregivers. Home care service agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

2. Sprained Ankles & Knees

When seniors fall, they tend to turn their feet inward, which places extreme tension on the ligaments of the outer ankles. Seniors who twist their legs when falling may experience sprained knees. To prevent this from happening, install adequate lighting and grab bars throughout the home. Make sure to throw away rugs and mats unless they’re nonslip mats.

3. Dislocated Shoulders

Due to a decrease in bone mass, seniors who fall are at higher risk for dislocating a joint compared to other age groups. One of the most commonly dislocated joints after a fall is the shoulder. A fall could cause the arm bone to pop out of the shoulder socket. Encourage your loved one to wear shoes that are his or her exact size and avoid loose clothing. Make sure he or she only walks on even surfaces whenever possible.

4. Herniated Discs

As your loved one ages, his or her spinal discs will lose some of their water content. Due to age-related wear and tear, a fall could cause a herniated disc and put pressure on the nerve roots. Seniors can prevent this from happening by paying close attention to the paths they’re walking along. They should also avoid lifting heavy objects that could cause them to fall. Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs assistance with daily tasks. Des Moines at-home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

5. Hip Fractures

Seniors who experience hard falls could experience hip fractures, especially if they fall sideways. It can be difficult for seniors to recover from hip fractures. However, eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise could strengthen your loved one’s muscles and bones. The more active your loved one is, the better his or her balance and flexibility may be, which could lower the risk of a fall that leads to a hip fracture.

6. Broken Arms

This type of injury is almost always due to a fall. When seniors start to fall and instinctively put out their hands to brace themselves, their arms could break. Install grab bars throughout the bathroom as well as in other areas of the home. Caregivers should ensure any stairs are sturdy and free of clutter. 

7. Cuts

If your loved one is using a sharp cooking utensil and slips on a wet floor, the utensil could cause a deep cut or penetrate one of his or her blood vessels. Depending on where your loved one lands after the fall and the location of the knife or other sharp object, he or she could also rupture an organ. However, making sure the kitchen floor is dry and level could prevent a fall that leads to cuts and other injuries. Seniors may experience limited mobility and several other health issues that can increase their risk of falls and injuries. Performing daily tasks while simultaneously managing the symptoms of a serious illness can be challenging for seniors. The Des Moines live-in care experts at Home Care Assistance are available 24/7 to make sure your loved one has the care he or she needs to remain safe and comfortable while aging in place. To learn more about our premier in-home care plans, call us at (515) 264-2438 today.