Three Reasons Not to Take Chances with Elderly Slip and Falls
Friday, November 15th, 2019, 5:23 amIt can be difficult for anyone to know when they need to see a doctor right away after a slip or fall. But for elderly patients, the decision can often be even harder. There are several good reasons that every elderly patient who slips and falls should be checked out by a doctor fairly quickly.
Brittle Bones
As we age, our bones naturally become more brittle and lose some of their strength. This can be further exacerbated by medical conditions and hormone changes. This means that the elderly are at an increased risk of fractures from slips and falls. Even if the pain does not seem to be severe, you should go see a doctor right away.
Reason for the Fall
It is important that elderly patients see a doctor soon after a slip-and-fall accident to determine the reason that the fall happened. Some situations are crystal clear, and you know what caused the accident. But often when elderly people fall, it is because there is an underlying medical problem causing dizziness, lightheadedness, or mobility or stability issues. You should be evaluated soon after your accident to make sure there isn’t another problem that needs to be immediately addressed.
Ensure Safety
Elderly patients can have a lot of complications from a slip-and-fall accident. Some injuries could be very serious but pose few symptoms. If the elderly patient was alone for some time after the fall, other conditions may need treatment such as dehydration.
If you have a loved one that has recently had a slip or fall, it is best to have them seen by a doctor as quickly as possible. Our urgent care center is available to meet these needs. Contact us or come to our clinic today.
Category: Injuries