As our population ages, there are many elderly people living at home with their families. Mr.Tony Coffey,
Tony Coffey, Paramedic shared his views on the most common injuries he has attended for elderly people at home and highlights the need for preventive measures.
In many western countries, the elderly are cared for in Aged Care Facilities by nursing staff.
“This is not common in Vietnam, and I personally believe families are better for it” he said “but it exposes seniors to risks that can lead to injuries so the need to be aware and know how to handle potential problems is greater as most families do not have trained nursing staff.”
Falls
Some of the most common injuries sustained by elderly people are from falls. These accidents typically occur in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and stairs, where slippery surfaces and uneven flooring present significant hazards. According to Tony, a simple slip can result in severe outcomes, including fractures, head injuries, and/or long periods in hospital or rehabilitation.
The risks and consequences for an elderly person are far greater than those for a young person.
For example, a trip or slip and fall often results in fractures to the hip or femur. “For a young person a hip fracture is very painful and inconvenient with hospital treatment and rehabilitation but for an elderly person it is an injury that can shorten their life with studies showing a person over the age of 45, suffering a hip fracture has a 1 in 4 chance of dying within 30 days and up to 40% pass away within 1 year” he added “even if not that severe an outcome, the physical repercussions can dramatically affect an elderly persons quality of life.”
Burns
Another common injury is burns, which can occur from hot liquids or open flames. Seniors may struggle with mobility which makes them more vulnerable in the kitchen or when handling hot things. Tony noted that these injuries can range from minor to severe, requiring medical attention and sometimes resulting in long-term complications.
Musculoskeletal injuries.
These often happen due to poor lifting techniques, sometimes due to physical restrictions caused by aging. As an elderly person attempts to move furniture or reach for items in high places, they may strain their backs or limbs, causing chronic pain or disability. This issue shows the need for education and assistance when handling heavy or awkwardly positioned objects.
“The safety of elderly people in their homes is a major concern” Tony said. “It can be stressful enough for paramedics to attend these traumatic incidents but absolutely devastating for the injured person as well as their families. Sadly, often family members can experience feelings of guilt or blame each other for ‘allowing’ what was an accident to occur. “
It is important for caregivers and family members to be proactive, such as Risk Assessments, home modifications and First Aid education, to reduce the risks for their aging loved ones.
Author:
Tony Coffey – Australian Paramedic Expert and Co-founder of SSVN Survival Skills Social Enterprise.
