Fall Proofing Homes Of Elderly Parents Can Prevent Injuries
Hundreds of thousands of seniors suffer falls in and around their homes each year. They often result in hospitalization, loss of independence and sometimes death. Taking preventative measures to remove hazards can reduce the number of falls and their dreaded results.
San Rafael, CA (PRWEB) April 13, 2007 -- Statistics relating to falls among the elderly are astounding - 33 to 50% of those aged sixty-five or older fall each year; two million are treated in emergency rooms for fall related injuries; 86% of annual hospitalizations for hip fractures involve the elderly. One statistic that is not reported is the number of falls that could have been prevented had some simple preventative measures been taken.
Because many hazards that contribute to falls have been in place for years, seniors and their caregiving progeny don't see them as potentially dangerous. This "not seeing the forest for the trees" can blind us to hazards to elderly parents' safety. Fall prevention expert Linda Schlenker in her feature article on Parent Care (www.parents-care.com) provides a room-by-room scan for lurking hazards. "I've fall proofed many homes after senior citizens have already fallen," Schlenker indicates. "However, I'd much rather help prevent the first fall."
Parent Care (www.parents-care.com) president Bill Gillis adds "Linda's article is a throwback to a saying most of us heard from our parents during our youth - an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure." Schlenker's article highlights some obstacles like doorway thresholds that are quite obvious after they're brought to our attention. Others lurk hidden away from sight. To help Parent Care subscribers make a complete hazard removal tour through parents' homes, there are several companion checklists available for download.
Schlenker, a licensed occupational therapist, is founder and president of Safe & Independent a Phoenix-based film production company that specializes in fall prevention videos.
About Parent Care, Inc.
Parent Care (www.parents-care.com) is the leading information source for the country's seven million long distance eldercare providers and their employers. Parent Care, The Parent Care Report and The Parent Care Channel are registered trademarks of the firm.
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