You may remember the old commercial with an elderly lady on the floor yelling, “Help me! I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!” While it originally came out in 1989, it’s been used in countless memes and gifs.
Unfortunately, making it something laughable minimizes the significant impact that falls have on the elderly.
Falls and mortality
In 2021, falls contributed to the death of 38,742 people aged 65 and older in the United States. It is the leading cause of injury and injury death. Common injuries resulting from falls are hip fractures and head traumas, both of which contribute to a significant decline in mobility and quality of life. Furthermore, the fear of another fall limits an older person’s activities, leading to further physical decline and social isolation.
Several factors make falls especially hazardous for older adults, including:
- Decreased bone density, which makes bones more susceptible to fractures
- Slower cell regeneration and pre-existing health conditions can prolong the length of recovery
- Brains shrink slightly in older adults, causing more movement in the skull, which can make a traumatic brain injury more likely and severe
- The elderly are more likely to experience complications during recovery, such as pneumonia or blood clots
- Head injuries can accelerate cognitive decline
Diminished balance, vision and muscle strength increase the risk of falls in the elderly. Medication can also be a factor, as some may cause dizziness.
Some families need to rely on nursing homes to care for their elderly loved ones, where the staff has a crucial role in preventing falls. Vigilance and good housekeeping help ensure their residents are in a safe environment. Unfortunately, some nursing homes fail in their duties, resulting in falls and serious injuries.
If your elderly family member was injured in a fall due to a caregiver’s negligence, you may be able to receive compensation for their medical expenses and the impact it’s had on their quality of life.
