Falling among seniors according to recent data, is the most common reason for injury death in 69 counties in North Carolina, reported the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). National reports show that a senior person is treated in a hospital emergency department every 17 seconds for injuries caused by falls.
In North Carolina, falls were the reason for more emergency department visits and hospitalizations among seniors than any other cause.
Statistics in North Carolina from 2007 to 2009 show falls in the elderly accounted for:
DHHS Secretary Al Delia cautioned seniors and their families to recognize that falling has serious long-term consequences and to take measures to improve the safety of their homes for the elderly.
The secretary said that falls often curtail independence for seniors and lead to being admitted to nursing homes sooner than they otherwise would be. In addition, he added, many falls can be fatal.
“With North Carolina’s rapidly growing aging population, it is critical for us to educate individuals and caregivers about ways to prevent falls,” Delia said.
DHHS suggested people take the following precautions to make their homes safer and protect people from falling:
Source: WFMY News
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