If you have an older adult in your life, you can educate them on the tips listed below so that they can protect themselves from slips and falls. In the event your senior loved one does sustain an injury in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, contact our Alabama slip and fall lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C.
Seniors are at a higher risk of suffering serious injuries from slip and fall accidents than younger individuals. Even a minor fall can leave them with serious injuries, such as concussions, twisted ankles, hip fractures, and even death.
Tips to Help Seniors from Slip & Fall Accidents
Since your senior loved ones are at risk for slips and falls every day, the attorneys of Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. have put together the following tips that can help prevent these accidents from occurring:
- Exercise Regularly
Muscle weakness is a common cause of falls among seniors. By participating in strength training exercises on a regular basis, older adults can increase their muscle strength and reduce their risk of slip and fall accidents. Swimming, dancing, and jogging are all examples of exercises that can help seniors build their strength.
- Eat Healthy
Eating healthy is just as important as exercising for seniors who would like to protect themselves from slip and fall accidents. Older adults should make sure their diet is filled with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products, as these foods contain the nutrients they need to build strong bones.
- Check Hearing and Vision Yearly
Since hearing and vision loss can make seniors more susceptible to slips and falls, they should get their hearing and vision checked on a yearly basis. Correcting a vision issue such as glaucoma, or wearing hearing aids may be necessary in order for seniors to prevent slip and fall accidents.
- Wear Appropriate Footwear
Rather than wearing flip flops, high heels, and shoes with no backing, seniors should wear comfortable shoes with rubber soles that fit them properly. Wearing shoes at home is also recommended, as bare feet and socks may lead to slips and falls.
- Invest in Bathroom Modifications
Seniors often slip and fall in bathrooms, making it crucial for them to modify their bathrooms in a way that makes them safer. Grab bars, non-slip mats, toilet safety frames, and rails can reduce the risk of a bathroom-related slip and fall.
- Take Advantage of Assistive Devices
There are a wide range of assistive devices on the market that are designed to help seniors overcome mobility issues. Due to the fact that older adults who have trouble with mobility are at an increased risk of slip and fall accidents, they should use a walker, cane, or another assistive device.
Talk to the Slip and Fall Lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C.
Despite their efforts in protecting themselves from slip and fall accidents, seniors may slip and fall on a public sidewalk, in a grocery store, or in a shopping mall. If the fall was the result of a slippery surface, broken railing, or another hazard that was caused by someone else’s negligence, they may be able to recover compensation.
Call the slip and fall lawyers of Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. today at (205) 933-1500 if your senior gets hurt in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property.
