September 22 marked the 10-year anniversary of National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. According to the National Council on Aging, falls are responsible for numerous emergency room visits among aging adults. Slip and fall accidents can result in serious — sometimes even fatal — injuries, such as broken bones and traumatic brain injuries.
Slippery floors, wet weather and poor lighting are known factors that can cause slip and fall accidents. But many falls are preventable. You can minimize the risk of falling in your own home by taking these simple steps:
Speak to a medical professional
Ask your doctor to evaluate your risk for falling. Find out about medications that may cause side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness. They can affect balance and lead to a fall.
Modify home décor
Identify potential safety issues in your surroundings. Remove any rugs, footrests or other clutter that may pose fall hazards. Additionally, consider replacing lightbulbs with brighter ones or adding more lamps for better visibility at night.
Install assistive equipment
Installing handrails on stairs and grab bars in bathrooms can provide stability. Reaching for railings is much safer than relying on a sink edge or towel rack for support. Remember to use anti-slip mats in showers and bathtubs.
Despite such precautions, slip and fall accidents can and do occur both inside the home and outside on another person’s property. Visit https://www.briskmanandbriskman.com/practice-areas/chicago-slip-and-fall-lawyer/ to learn more about what to do if you have been hurt.