September 23, 2019, the first day of fall, marks the 10th annual National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, which is sponsored by the National Council on Aging (NCOA). Every 11 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury. Falls are the major cause of hip fractures, and are responsible for more than half of fatal head injuries.
As summer transitions into autumn, there will be many more trip hazards and slick surfaces than usual. However, most people fail to consider these potential hazards because they are not as obviously dangerous as the snow that will begin falling in a few months. Many falls are preventable. Along with these quick reminders from the NCOA, your home caregiver can provide helpful information on how to stay safe and help prevent fall-related injuries in your home.
