Many children send their parents to nursing homes where they feel their loved ones can be better cared for by a dedicated staff. However, a survey conducted by AARP, a nonprofit organization advocating the welfare of older citizens, reveals 95% of people over the age of 65 want to stay in their own home for as long as possible, a preference often called “aging in place.”

While living unassisted gives greater independence to retirees, their advanced age also increases the likelihood of falls from occurring. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released these telling numbers:
Each year, one in every three adults age 65 and older falls. Falls can cause moderate to severe injuries, such as hip fractures and head traumas, and can increase the risk of early death. Fortunately, falls are a public health problem that is largely preventable.

How big is the problem?

One out of three older adults (those aged 65 or older) falls each year but less than half talk to their healthcare providers about it.

Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries.

In 2010, 2.3 million nonfatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments and more than 662,000 of these patients were hospitalized.

In 2010, the direct medical costs of falls, adjusted for inflation, was $30 billion.

As the CDC points out, falls in the elderly is a serious concern but one that can be prevented by being proactive. Roofing in Leesburg homes is supposed to keep rainwater and snowmelt out, but wear and tear may cause leaks to develop. With roof leaks naturally come puddles of water, which are slipping hazards for your aging parents.

Thus, make sure to get expert roof repair from Leesburg contractors like NV Roofs. They’ll inspect the roof and patch up all leaks so water cannot enter your parents’ home, thus preventing slips from happening.

Aside from fixing the roof, you should also ensure that their floors are not slippery. One of the best ways of doing this is by applying non-slip strips on kitchen flooring which are usually tiled. A lot of slips also happen in the shower or bathtub, so put in a rubber mat on the floor to prevent accidents.

Honoring your parent’s retirement wishes is one way of returning the love and support they showered you with throughout your life. If they decide to age in place, make sure to keep their home safe by heeding the tips given above.