Falling and sustaining a severe injury is a very real fear for many senior citizens. As mobility decreases, everyday obstacles like stairs, thresholds, and even loose area rugs can present a severe trip-and-fall hazard. And, because bone density diminishes as you age, the odds of being seriously injured by such a fall dramatically increases for those over 60. If you’ve injured yourself in a fall, you must make some accessibility changes in your home. Here’s why.
Assist with Recovery
Anyone who has seriously injured themselves is bound to have a more difficult time getting around their home than usual. A broken leg or hip or an injured spine will make walking difficult enough, and climbing the stairs or getting in and out of the tub unassisted will feel impossible. Making accessibility adjustments as soon as possible helps you begin healing and regain your mobility much more quickly.
Now, you may be thinking that it’s not worth it to make changes to your home for a temporary injury. But the fact of the matter is that this injury might not be as brief as you think. Keep reading to find out why.
Prevent Further Falls
According to statistics from the AARP, elderly individuals who sustain a severe fall-related injury have a 66% chance of falling and injuring themselves again within the next six months. Do you want to go through that experience again? By making accessibility changes that will aid with your recovery, you’ll also be eliminating the most significant tripping hazards in your home, thereby reducing your chance of being reinjured.
Maintain Independence
The fact of the matter is that, when you get older, recovery from a severe injury is much more difficult. Your body doesn’t bounce back from an injury the way it might have done when you were 30. There is the distinct possibility that you won’t ever return to the physical capabilities you had before your injury. And if your home isn’t conducive to your new limitations, you might find yourself giving up your independence.
The better option is always to make adjustments to your home so that you can stay in it, rather than giving up your home entirely. Simple additions to your home like a walk-in bathtub, grab bars and safety handles, and ramps over your exterior stairs can make it much easier for you to independently get around your own home. You’ve already sacrificed your mobility because of your injury; don’t sacrifice your independence too!