Slips, Trips and Falls – Avoiding Danger in the Home

Slips, Trips and Falls – Avoiding Danger in the Home

July 29, 2017

The home is the place we all think of as our place of peace, comfort, safety- the place we connect with our daily serenity. This natural emotional connection to our personal oasis leads many to let their guard down in the safety department. I am talking about slips, trips, and falls. Most people don’t see the potential these three mishaps can have on the health and well being of an individual and their family. Slips, trips, and falls are responsible for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits annually. In fact the only other accident category that results in personal injury are vehicle accidents. These incidents cause numerous injuries from head, back, broken bones, cuts and lacerations, to sprains and strains. Hip fractures are the most dangerous creating the biggest health issues and even deaths. Each year in the United States, one of every three persons over the age of 65 will experience a fall. Half of which are repeat fallers.

Who is at risk?

Young children, those with limited capabilities, and the elderly are more likely to experience a severe fall. But let’s not get complacent, we all are at risk and everyone experiences a slip, trip, or fall a few times each year. Fortunately, most of the time we are able to “catch” ourselves preventing injury. However, as we age the likelihood of a slip, trip, or fall increases and the gravity of a fall increases being more severe and unforgiving.

For people aged 65-84 years, falls are the second leading cause of injury-related death; for those aged 85 years or older, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death.

What are contributors to slips, trips and falls?

Most falls in our homes happen on a walking floor level. Flooring material such as throw rugs, placement mats, loose carpeting, children toys, items placed on stairs or at the landing of stairs, and electrical cords, are the biggest contributors to a slip, trip or fall inside of the home.

Also, those that are older in age, people with arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, anemia an other blood disorders, thyroid problems and foot disorders, vertigo spells, sensory disorders, Alzheimers, dementia, urinary incontinence are a few health contributors to having an increased chance of a fall.

How can you increase avoiding a slip trip and fall?

All of these things can be mitigated and prevented. If you don’t need those rugs and other accessory items we place on our floors try not to feel attached to it. Think about removing it and decorating that space another way, a clean, level, uncluttered floor is the best. If you do have these items then ensure that the items are firmly secure to the floor and cords properly laid out with anti-trip jackets.

The home is a our place to recharge, connect with loved ones, and being a family. It shouldn’t be a place that cause anguish and pain. Genesis Home Care encourages everyone to think about the layout of their homes and bring the safety you practice outside your house inside the home. We offer free home safety inspections to every new client that signs up with us. One of the things on our itemized danger spots we look for are your potential slip, trip, and fall hazards.

Disclaimer: This article is intended as a friendly reminder with recommendations. It is not medical advise, direction or prescription of any sort. Please refer to professional services for any health related questions, concerns and relief.