There can be serious consequences when a person over the age of 65 falls down. Older folks are more susceptible to broken bones and other internal damage. It isn’t very surprising that falls cause the most traumatic brain injuries (TBI) for older adults.
It might be more surprising that falling also causes the most TBIs for younger people. More than half of TBI-related hospital visits for children younger than 14 are due to falls. It is important to know how to keep members of both these age groups safe from TBIs.
Protections for older adults
Sometimes older bodies are just weaker, and there isn’t much to do about that. But there are a few factors that you can change to keep your older loved ones safe:
- Getting their vision tested
- Monitoring the side effects of their medication, such as dizziness or drowsiness
- Removing tripping hazards in their home
Making sure that your aging family members are alert and in a safe environment could prevent a fall that causes a TBI.
Protections for younger children
Accidents tend to cause children to fall more than from any physical issues. You can make some situations safer, such as:
- Using proper car seats for small children
- Wearing helmets and other safety gear for sports and outdoor activities
- Installing safety guards on stairs and windows
Children might not know how dangerous something is when they are exploring or playing, so taking precautions within your property can help reduce the risks.
What if the fall happens on someone else’s property?
No matter how hard you try, you can’t make the entire world completely safe. Whether they are young or old, there is a chance that your family members could slip and fall while away from home. If anyone you care about does suffer a TBI, you should know your rights to seek compensation if the fall occurred on someone else’s property.