Injury Prevention in Seniors

Reasons for Injuries among Seniors

Old age brings wisdom, but unfortunately, it also brings trips, falls and injuries. Common reasons for injuries among older adults include:

Ageing

Normal ageing increases the risk of fall-related injuries in seniors. Here are a few common instances:

• Older adults lose their ability to adapt to posture changes immediately as they stand up, resulting in falls.
• Slower reflexes, low blood pressure and less muscle mass also affect a senior’s ability to adjust to fluid changes during recovery or withstand surgery for traumatic injuries like bone fractures.
• Owing to poor physiological reserve, seniors lose the ability to manage traumatic events, like injuries from motor vehicle accidents or falls.

Health History

Certain medical conditions and procedures in older individuals may increase injury vulnerability from motor vehicle accidents and falls. These include:

• Cardiac issues or a history of heart disease, like open-heart surgery, high blood pressure, pacemakers and stents. These conditions require medicines that can affect cognitive function and balance in older adults.
• Lung diseases caused by fungal, viral or bacterial infections may affect a senior’s respiratory and pulmonary function, making them susceptible to falls and accidents.
• Arthritis leading to severe joint pain can limit physical activity in seniors, thus affecting their mental health and increasing their risk of fall-related injuries.
• Vision conditions, like prescription changes and cataracts, may lead to major hazards due to a senior’s lost ability to see.
• Seniors with underlying cognitive problems, like dementia, may experience delirium with trauma, adding days to their hospital stay and increasing their risk of further complications and even death.

Medicines

Medicines are important for the health and well-being of the elderly, but their side effects can make an otherwise harmless injury fatal. Different medicines and their risk of causing injuries in the seniors include:

• Blood pressure medicines, like Tenorim and Zebeta, can cause dizziness during posture changes, like going from sitting to standing or getting out of bed, resulting in serious falls.
• Blood thinners affect blood clotting, increasing the chances of falls in seniors becoming life-threatening bleeds or haemorrhages in the brain or other organs.
• Other medicines with side effects like sedation and confusion may also increase injury vulnerability in seniors, especially when taken before walking out or driving.

Untreated Injuries

Most seniors avoid visiting a doctor after a fall, accident or any other injury which further increases the risk of injuries in the near future. As per reports, it is crucial for people above 65 years of age to visit a doctor even if they have had a minor injury. Traumatic brain injuries are frequent conditions in seniors and can be life-threatening if not identified early.

Besides these age-related risks, several human factors may put seniors at an increased risk of injuries. These include:

• Not being attentive when ambulating due to phone conversations and text messages.
• Bumping into someone or something.
• Tripping over something at home, like unsecured carpet, pets or toys.
• Slippery floor surface
• Poor lighting when walking downstairs
• Uneven surface

Steps to Prevent Injuries in Seniors

Senior injuries can be devastating, but taking a few crucial steps can help prevent them. These are as follows:

• Staying mentally and physically active can be extremely beneficial for the elderly. Specifically, Tai Chi exercises are most effective in reducing the frequency of falls in seniors.
• Medicines are important for managing serious health conditions, but older adults must try reducing their use as much as possible.
• Ensuring home safety for the seniors is paramount. Identify and correct potential home hazards that can cause falls. Ensure installing grab bars and safe area rugs wherever possible.
• Seniors should maintain healthy bones to reduce the risk of fractures. They must ensure that they go for bone density tests at regular intervals to assess their bone health. Additionally, regular analysis of vitamin D levels in the blood can help get the required supplementation to decrease major complications.

Addressing Issues with Care Providers

Home health care providers are another best option for seniors to avoid accidents and fall-related injuries. Choose us, as we are perfectly trained to help the seniors. Our qualified caregivers offer 360-degree care to seniors, helping them avoid injuries through comprehensive emotional and physical support. They actively combat anxiety and isolation in the seniors, promoting their mental well-being through enhanced socialisation and companionship. Download our app now to book the services of our care providers who prioritise senior well-being and safety, genuinely engaging with their challenges and concerns.

Contact us today for more details on how our elder care companions can help with injury prevention in seniors.