CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Keep the elderly people in your life upright during Elderly Fall Prevention Month.
According to the CDC, over three million senior adults suffer falls that require attention from emergency rooms.
They say these falls are one of the leading contributors to long term health issues due to broken bones and other complications.
There are several things you can do to prevent falls by older adults.
Brian Winton, the owner of TruBlue Chattanooga, said, “You can clean up sidewalks, make sure there’s no overgrowth or brush coming in, as it’s a trip hazard. Make sure on your steps, that you have handrails that you are able to hold onto, that they’re sturdy enough to go up steps. Inside, lightening, decluttering, and handrails and grab bars are your best bet.”
Winton also advises making sure that older adults stay on top of medications, keep phones on them to call for help, and have their homes assessed for any potential issues.