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A relaxing morning walk on the boardwalk in Virginia Beach highlights the beauty of the oceanfront: quiet streets, misty mornings, and stunning sunsets over the ocean. But one wrong step can turn a peaceful stroll into a serious injury—especially for senior citizens.
If you or an elderly loved one are at risk, it’s important to understand the common factors and fall prevention strategies for seniors. You could help prevent a serious injury, or know how to take action if you or your loved one slip and fall in Virginia Beach.
What Are The Risks for Seniors In VB?
According to the United Health Foundation, 28.7% of adults age 65+ report falling within the past 12 months. Out of all the injuries requiring hospitalization in 2023, more than half (19,819 out of 36,164) were caused by falls.
Some of the highest risk factors contributing to senior falls include:
- Aging & stability. Strength, balance, vision, hearing, and reflexes decline as we age. Targeted exercises (tai chi, physical therapy, or strength training) can help reduce risk. Regular ear and eye checkups as well as home accessibility adaptations for seniors (non-slip shoes, grab bars, and chairlifts) are all beneficial preventative measures.
- Medical conditions & medication. Seniors are more likely to develop age-related illnesses such as arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia, all of which can impair mobility. Medications for such conditions can have side effects like dizziness or drowsiness. Have a doctor review medications, monitor chronic conditions, and recommend tailored solutions.
- Natural hazards. Coastal hurricanes, occasional snow and ice, and weeks of non-stop rain can increase the risk of slipping in Virginia Beach. Wearing non-slip shoes, using a cane or walker, and gripping handrails can lower the chances of a dangerous slip-and-fall.
- Poorly-maintained property. Uneven sidewalks, broken steps, loose railings, and poorly-lit walkways are accidents waiting to happen. Report such hazards to property owners or city services for maintenance.
- History of injuries. According to the CDC, seniors who have fallen once are twice as likely to fall again. Keep track of close calls, identify risks, and consult healthcare providers for a personalized prevention plan which can help reduce repeat incidents.
The Virginia Falls Prevention Coalition works to raise awareness of falls risk, especially among the elderly, and to promote interventions across the Commonwealth. You or your loved one can try their recommended self-assessment at home to gauge the risk of fall injury.
How Can Slip-and-Falls Affect Seniors’ Health and Independence?
Beyond the cost of immediate medical treatment, falls often affect mobility, independence, and quality of life.
For seniors, falls can lead to serious injuries such as hip fractures, wrist breaks, head trauma, and sprains. In fact, 83% percent of hip fracture deaths and 88% of ER visits and hospitalizations for hip fractures are caused by falls.
Many older adults reduce activity after a painful fall, due to fear of another accident. Unfortunately, this inactivity can lower strength and balance, inadvertently increasing the likelihood of future falls.
Taking proactive steps to avoid senior falls doesn’t just prevent injury. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to seniors’ long-term health, independence, and financial stability.
Tips to Avoid Elderly Slips and Falls
Recent studies are providing insights into the most effective injury prevention strategies for seniors, whether living at home or in a retirement facility.
- A 2024 systematic review confirmed that regular balance training, home accessibility modifications, and consistent medical checkups significantly reduce seniors’ risk of being injured in a fall. Even a simple exercise routine can result in a noticeable decrease of risk.
- The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that older adults stay active with gentle physical activities like ballroom dance lessons, tai-chi, or chair yoga. A fitness class two to three times per week can help maintain balance, strength, and functional mobility well into the golden years.
- It can be difficult for anyone to start a new fitness routine—particularly the elderly, according to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Compassion and patience (as a senior or as their caregiver) are essential when beginning a fitness journey to reduce risk of future injury.
- JAMA Network Open found that community-based fall prevention programs resulted in a nearly 40% reduction of in-home falls. These programs provide personalized assessments and accessibility modifications (grab bars, shower seating, slip-resistant surfaces) to seniors who may otherwise have lacked the resources to purchase and install them.
Since 75% of fall accidents happen at home, fall prevention exercises and home accessibility modifications are especially important for elderly adults.
What To Do When a Senior Adult Falls In Virginia Beach
Even the best laid fall prevention plans often go awry, so it’s important to be prepared for the possibility.
- Keep a phone or medical alert device on hand at all times.
- Use a mobility aid or sturdy and stable furniture to get up safely, if possible.
- Know who to call, where to find medical information, and which hospital to visit.
We can’t always prevent accidents, but we can plan ahead and face them with preparedness.
Call An Experienced Attorney
At Rutter Mills, our attorneys have decades of experience handling complex slip-and-fall cases across Virginia. We understand how quickly a simple accident can change a life, and we are committed to helping families navigate the legal process with compassion and skill.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a fall due to unsafe property conditions or another party’s negligence, we encourage you to reach out.
Together, we can explore your options and help protect both your rights and your peace of mind. A conversation with our slip and fall lawyers is always confidential and without obligation.
Contact Rutter Mills online for a free, no obligation legal consultation, or call us at (757) 777-7777
Written by:
Erik Porcaro
Car Accident LawyerErik Porcaro is a former Assistant District Attorney turned dedicated personal injury attorney at Rutter Mills in Norfolk, where he leverages his courtroom experience to fiercely advocate for injury victimss. A Fordham Law graduate with over 20 years experience, Erik specializes in complex personal injury cases, offering a client-centered approach that puts victims' recovery and justice at the forefront.
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