Fall Prevention for Seniors

As people grow older, the consequences of falls grow more serious. Studies show that 25% of seniors who experience a fall, and 50% of senior patients admitted to a hospital for a fall injury, will die within one year. Falls are the most common cause of fatal injury in people 65 or more years old. Fractures from falls are a leading cause of disability and commonly result in loss of independence. Most falls happen in the home and can be avoided.

Hazards such as poor lighting, narrow stairs, and slippery surfaces can increase the chances of a fall. Reduced fitness can lead to weakened muscles, and prescription medicines can cause dizziness, fatigue, or vision problems - all of which can be contributing factors.

For more information:

• TVF&R's Senior Fall and Injury Prevention Guide outlines safety for stairways, outdoors, and every room in your home. It also includes a TVF&R medical emergency card
• Step-Smart Senior Fall Prevention Tips (in English and Spanish)
• Visit the websites below.

Check for Safety	Journal of the American Medical Associaiton - Fall Prevention

Preventing Falls for Children

Falls are the leading cause of non-fatal, unintentional injuries and emergency department visits for children younger than 15. Each year in the United States, there are more than 120 fall-related deaths and 2.5 million emergency department visits among this age group. Children less than 5 years old account for more than 50% of both categories (National Safe Kids).

The majority of fall-related injuries in children ages 0 to 5 years occur at home, most often due to a lack of appropriate supervision.  This includes leaving an infant on a changing table or other surface for "just a minute," or allowing a toddler to play in a room with non-secured windows or to be on a balcony with ineffective railing protection.  Many infants injured in falls are in the same room as their caregiver.

• Most infant falls are from furniture, stairs, or walkers (older walkers can pose multiple risks of injury).
• Most toddler falls are from windows and balconies.
• Most falls involving older children are from bikes, skateboards, scooters, and playground equipment.
• Twice as many fall-related injuries in children aged 5 to 14 years occur at home versus school.

In the U.S., 4,000 children fall from windows every year with 70% falling from second or third story windows. More than 50 children per year in Oregon fall from windows. Falls are the leading cause of non-fatal, unintentional injuries and emergency department visits for children younger than 15. For more information visit The Campaign to Stop Window Falls.

Home Safety for Children with Special Needs
Oregon Safe Kids Coalition		Oregon's Window Falls Campaign

More facts about falls:

• Pediatric falls are associated with the combination of curiosity and lack of motor-skill development (the former generally outpacing the latter), thus children ages 10 and under are at greatest risk for death or serious injury from falls.¹
• Seventy percent (70%) of pediatric falls, both in Oregon and the United States, occur between noon and early evening during warm weather.¹
• Most falls from windows involve male children younger than 5 years old, and commonly occur in low-income, high-occupancy, multi-family housing.
• Children living in apartment buildings are more likely to fall from windows than those living in single-family dwellings.
• Apartment/condominium complexes are more likely to have balconies and walkways than houses and duplexes.
• Even railing bars spaced five inches apart can allow small children to slip through.

Child Fall Prevention Tips

Proper supervision is essential:

• NEVER leave children unattended on changing tables, beds, sofas, etc.
• Strap children into highchairs, swings, strollers, etc.
• Don’t let children play unattended on balconies, porches, and/or fire escapes.
• Don’t let children play near windows or patio doors.

Don't create your own hazards:

• Avoid use of baby walkers on wheels; all baby walkers should meet current ASTM standards.
• Use safety gates at tops and bottoms of stairs if infants or toddlers are in the home; gates should meet ASTM standards.
• Move furniture away from windows and draperies.
• Window screens are intended to Keep Bugs Out not Kids In: install window guards where needed. Use window guards that meet current ASTM standards for emergency exiting.
• Use slip-resistant mats or stickers in bathtubs

References

¹National SafeKids Campaign

Oregon is the perfect place to enjoy a bike ride, scooter, or time at the local skate park. However, don't let a tragedy ruin your outing. Almost 200,000 children visit an emergency room every year because of an injury while biking. Ensure your safety by following the tips below.

Wear a Properly Fitted Helmet

Most deaths are due to a head injury. A head injury is a brain injury. That is why helmets are so important! A helmet reduces your chances of a head injury by 88%.  Keep in mind that there are different styles of helmets for biking, skateboarding, or skiing.

Step-by-step instructions on how to fit a helmet.

Watch a one-minute video from Safe Kids USA on helmet fitting.

Properly Sized and Safe Bicycle

Riding a safe bike that is the correct size can also help keep you safe.

• When on your bicycle, stand straddling the top bar so that both feet are flat on the ground
• There should be 1-3 inches of space between you and the top bar.
• Make sure your seat, handlebars, and wheels fit tightly
• Check and oil your chain regularly
• Check your brakes to be sure they work well and are not sticking
• Check your tires to ensure they have enough air and the proper tire pressure.

Be Seen, Be Safe

Wear bright clothes and put reflectors on your bike so motorists have a better chance of seeing you. Also, follow the rules of the road by biking on the right side of the street and using hand signals when turning.