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This allows seniors to defuse stumbling blocks in the household
Even in your own home you can hurt yourself. Many stumbling blocks lurk at home, especially for the elderly. However, seniors can reduce the risk of injury quite well. For example, falls through non-slip mats under loose carpets can be avoided.
Accidents in the home can be life threatening
Especially seniors are exposed in the household many injury risks. Crashes at home can quickly become life-threatening. According to a joint report by the German Insurance Association (GDV) in Berlin and the action "The Safe House" (DSH) in Hamburg, some 7,200 people in Germany alone were killed by a domestic fall in 2013; About 6,700 of them were older than 65 years. In many cases could be prevented.
Not only lying around objects make unnecessary pitfalls for seniors, even high thresholds and steps are sometimes a risk here. (Image: Dan Race / fotolia.com) Seniors have a high risk of falling
According to the experts, the high risk of falling for seniors has many reasons. One is the progressive bone loss ("osteoporosis"). Health experts usually advise against osteoporosis prevention before the bones disappear. But also diminishing eyesight and declining muscle power play a role, and also misunderstood economy, such as the issue of adequate lighting or buying a new ladder. In addition, according to a recent research, slippers pose a danger. In this context, an EU working group warned seniors about preventing falls before walking around in socks, high-heeled shoes or bad-fitting domestic slippers without fixation.
Trip hazards can be easily cleared out
In addition, too much furniture and structural features like thresholds in the house can increase the risk of falls. However, many fall and trip hazards can be eliminated with little effort. For example, falls through non-slip mats under loose carpets can be avoided. And sleeper wedges or ramps make doorways safer, if you can not fully extend them, write the experts at GDV and DSH. In the shower or bath handles can be useful, since the entry of many elders is difficult. These should be attached according to the experts about 85 centimeters high. The tubes should have about four centimeters in diameter. This will allow a secure grip. (Ad)