Are you a senior living in the Sunshine State of Florida? Are you concerned that when Florida senior adults fall it may cause devastating injuries and have long-term effects on the overall health of senior adults, sometimes even death? That being said, however, there is good news! What is the good news? It is that most falls are preventable. As Florida seniors, if you begin with starting some lifestyle adjustments and support from either adult children, friends, neighbors or community helpers you can greatly reduce the risk of falling, and the hip fractures and head injuries that too often result.
Were you aware that because of the serious rise in falls among seniors the National Council on Aging hosts National Fall Prevention Awareness Week, which this month is September 18-22, 2023? During this week there will be a wide range of educational tools and materials for Florida seniors to learn about the impact of senior falls.
As a Florida senior, how can you help yourself or someone you know stay safe from falling? You need to be watching for the following warning signs:
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- -A decline in mental alertness
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- -A recent fall, or near-fall
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- -Vision problems
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- -Balance issues
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- -Frailty and muscular weakness
- -Changes in physical health, such as a recent surgery
You might want to consider exercise support groups that offer evidence-based programs, such as Tai Chi, because these would be excellent preventions to falling. Also, reach out to your physician about setting up screening for osteoporosis. In addition, be sure to discuss whether you take any prescription medications that might cause side effects, like dizziness, which your physician can advise you on managing.
As you age in your own home in Florida, have you looked closely at your environment? Home safety is very important and you can begin measures that will further reduce or eliminate your risk of a fall. The following are ways you can prevent in-home falls with some practical tips:
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- -Improve all lighting both inside and outside your home
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- -Remove rugs or secure the edges to the floor
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- -Fix any broken floorboards, cracked pavement and other uneven surfaces
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- -Rearrange furniture to create wide walkways
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- -Remove any and all clutter and small objects from the floor
- -Add grab bars to bathtubs, stairways and toilet areas
Keep in mind, if you do fall outside your home, it is strongly recommended that you contact a qualified Florida elder care attorney and learn about your rights. Falls outside the home are sometimes caused by negligence and there is little anyone at any age can do to prevent them. Recouped monies may be needed to pay for expensive medical care.
We know this article may raise more questions than it answers. Elder and Estate Planning Attorneys, PA, is a law office small enough to provide personal service but large enough to provide service in Jupiter, as well as Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties in Florida. Our law firm will guide you through legal challenges involving elder law, estate planning, trusts, veterans benefits, real estate, and more. We encourage you to contact us and schedule a meeting with our attorneys.