The Most Common Causes Of Serious Injuries To Seniors In Utah

A senior woman with her wrist and hand bandaged after an accident.

As we age, our bodies naturally become more susceptible to injuries. In Utah, and around the world, adults aged 65 and older make up a growing portion of the population. Senior citizens also represent a demographic that is at increased risk for serious injuries. 

Environmental factors, chronic health conditions, or just the body’s natural weakening, can make accidents more common and severely impact quality of life. Understanding the most common injuries and how to prevent them can go a long way in helping seniors live safer, happier lives. 

Below, we’ll tell you about the most common causes of injuries for seniors, and how to take cautions to prevent them.  

Call Monument Health Group Today.

The Most Common Types Of Accidents Leading To Injuries

By far, falls are the leading cause of injury related hospitalizations among seniors in Utah and across the United States. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, falls are also the leading cause of injury-related death.  

The same organization has noted that every week in Utah, approximately 200 seniors are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries. That’s more than 10,000 falls each year, just in Utah. Of those, 63 are hospitalized, and three will die as a result of their injuries per week. 

Falls can happen anywhere, from the private homes of seniors, to public places like supermarkets and government buildings, and even to senior living homes. Fall risks should be taken seriously anywhere seniors might frequent. 

While falls are the most serious and common culprit for serious risk of injury among seniors, other causes of injury include automobile accidents, medication errors, and even elder abuse. However, because falls are so common and so traumatic, we’ll primarily focus our recommendations today on this cause of injury. 

Types Of Injuries Often Associated With Falls

For seniors, even a seemingly harmless fall can result in debilitating or even fatal injuries. Aging and associated medical conditions often bring diminished muscle strength, balance issues, poor vision, and slower reflexes, all of which can make falls more likely. Environmental hazards, such as uneven sidewalks, poor lighting, and slippery floors can further increase the risk.

When seniors fall, the physical damage can be extensive. 

Head And Brain Injuries

These are perhaps the most serious injuries faced by seniors when they fall. A simple bump on the head can quickly become life threatening. Those on blood thinners need to be particularly careful, as they can cause excess bleeding especially to the delicate veins in and near the brain. 

Head injuries can lead to cognitive decline, long-term disabilities, and even death. All falls that result in head injury should be seen by a doctor, and serious symptoms to watch out for include: 

  • Dizziness
  • Confusion 
  • Pupils that are slow to react to light
  • Pupils that are dilated
  • Pupils that are uneven sizes
  • Memory issues
  • Bleeding

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are nearly as serious as head injuries. Injuries to the spinal cord can cause paralysis or the inability to walk. In addition to the loss of mobility and independence these injuries can cause, these injuries often necessitate long-term care. Seniors are especially prone due to the weakening of muscles and bones in the back and around the spine caused by aging. 

Broken Bones

Likely the most common injury among seniors who fall are broken bones, or bone fractures. Particularly debilitating and common are hip fractures. According to the U.S. Center For Disease Control, more than 300,000 older people are hospitalized each year in the U.S. for hip fractures alone. 

Recovery from a fractured hip can take months and often involves surgery and prolonged rehabilitation. It can even involve stays in care and rehabilitation facilities

Other common fractures include:

  • Wrists
  • Arms
  • Ankles
  • Ribs

Avoiding Accidental Injuries

The good news is that risk of falling can be significantly reduced with some good-sense practical measures. These include: 

Home Safety Modifications

One of the easiest and most sensible measures to take is modifying the home to become more safe. Modifications can include: 

  • Grab bars in bathrooms
  • Removing mats and rugs that pose trip hazards
  • Remove other clutter that poses trip hazards, like cords or clutter
  • Using non-slip mats and rugs where appropriate
  • Adequate lighting
  • Installing railings on staircases
  • Installing chair lifts 

Balance Training

Balance training can be an excellent way to ensure seniors stay fit and healthy. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and balance training is one of the best ways to keep seniors on their feet. 

Balance training can take place individually, as with a physical therapist or personal trainer, but group senior fitness classes are also a good place to stay in shape. An added benefit is that for seniors that are physically stronger and more limber, if accidents do happen they are typically less serious. 

It’s also important to note the importance of good, non-slip footwear both inside the facility and out. 

Regular Vision and Hearing Screenings

An often overlooked facet of helping seniors avoid injury are vision and hearing screenings. Poor vision or hearing can increase the risk of falling. Seniors should have regular checkups and keep their prescriptions updated.

Call Monument Health Group Today

Supporting seniors in maintaining their independence and safety is a community effort. Here at Monument Health Group, we want to ensure our seniors are as comfortable and as healthy as they can be in their old age. When it comes time that you or your loved ones need a little extra care, give us a call to discuss further options. 

Monument Health Group serves Utah from 14 individual locations including in: 

  • Salt Lake City
  • Bountiful
  • Brigham City
  • American Fork
  • Nephi
  • Richfield

We’re always happy to answer questions and we hope to hear from you soon. 

Call Now For A Happy, Healthy Future.