Many in-home injuries preventable for seniors

Cords for various lamps, phone chargers and other electronic gadgets can create tripping hazards for older adults. Organizing and tying them up can help prevent falls, and moving power strips away from head vents and unplugging cords not in use can prevent electrical fires. Tools to aid with grabbing items from the floor or shelves, like the one shown above, also can be useful in preventing accidents for older adults. (Jenni Grubbs / Fort Morgan Times)

As they get older, adults need to be aware that the homes they may have lived in comfortably and safely for many years may need some adjustments to remain safe.

The everyday clutter and objects people are used to stepping over or avoiding can become tripping hazards and lead to falls for seniors and to serious injuries and health problems.

There are many things people whether the seniors themselves, or their adult children and/or care-givers can do to prevent such accidents and falls and make homes safer for older adults.

The Colorado State University Extension Office offers a fact sheet about this issue, and businesses that deal in senior care, like Home Instead Senior Care of Northern Colorado, offer resources, as well.

"The 65-plus population will be radically transformed as the baby-boom generation ages," the CSU Extension Fact Sheet stated. "No segment of the population will change as much as mature Americans. There are currently 40 million people (13 percent of Americans) aged 65 or older. By 2050 this will increase to 88 million. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the housing needs of the elderly."

Accidents in the home can cause many injuries and even death for seniors, according to CSU Extension.

"The elderly are especially vulnerable to serious injuries from home accidents," the fact sheet stated. "Older bones are often less dense, more brittle and break more easily. A simple fall can become a serious, disabling injury that limits independence."

Home Instead recently did a survey of 100 emergency room doctors and found that nearly a third of the injuries in the homes that sent their senior patients to the ER could have been prevented, according to a press release.

Tripping hazards at homes can include throw rugs, loose railings, strewn out electric cords and pulled up metal strips in doorways between flooring types.

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Many in-home injuries preventable for seniors