Prevention Key to Safety for Seniors
What Is the Care Gap?
Every day, 10,000 Baby Boomers (those born between 1946-1964) turn 65. Most of these individuals want to stay in their homes. As the demand for in home care increases rapidly, there is a simultaneous shortage in the paid workforce that will be available to care for American senior citizens. Currently nearly eight and a half million Americans need long term care support, and a staggering 12 million need true long term care. The lack of services for these individuals is known as the “care gap,” and it leaves seniors vulnerable to slip and fall accidents.
Slip and Fall Accidents Are Serious
Slip and fall accidents can have serious repercussions, especially for senior citizens. Over 18,000 Americans are fatally injured from everyday accidents each and every year. Seniors and those with musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and spinal deformity are particularly at risk. These individuals may be more likely to fall, and have less of an ability to fully recover.
Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents
To prevent slip and fall accidents, there are some easy changes you can make to your home, and the home of the older Americans you care about:
- Install hand rails in dark or slippery areas
- Utilize grab bars in bathrooms and near the bed
- Place smooth transition edging between different types of flooring
- Place grip tape or treads on wooden stairs
- Bathtubs and showers should be fitted with a non-slip tread
- Dark, slippery areas can be fit with glow in the dark grip tape
- Remove clutter and small furniture
- Put cords out of the way where they do not pose a trip hazard
- Utilize night lights
- Throw out any area rugs
- Secure carpets to the floor
- Make often-used items easily accessible so that people do not need stools or ladders to reach them
New Brunswick Slip and Fall Lawyer, Harold J. Gerr, Fights for Seniors and Their Families
If you or someone you love has been injured in a slip and fall accident, the New Brunswick slip and fall lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr can find out whether the accident could have been prevented. Negligent caregivers and long term care facilities should be held accountable. We have extensive knowledge of premises liability laws, and represent victims of slip and fall accidents throughout the region. To schedule a consultation, call us at 877-249-4600 or contact us online today.
