Tips for Helping an Aging Parent

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injuries in people age 65 and older. Common injuries due to falls include shoulder and forearm fractures, spine fractures, pelvic fractures, hip fractures, and head injuries. Falls can happen anytime, anywhere, at any age. However seniors fall more easily and more often. What’s worse, the severity of fall-related injuries also increases with age because osteoporosis, which is common in older people, makes bones more brittle and prone to fractures.

Dina Griffith, Director of the Rehabilitation & Inpatient Physical Therapy at MarinHealth Medical Center, discusses the role of fall prevention in helping seniors to maintain their independence as long as possible. Whether you are caring for an aging loved one or concerned about your own risk of falling, learn what steps you can take to help prevent falls.