Prevention of Accidents

Falls: The elderly are vulnerable to injury due to falls. A falls prevention program should be implemented for people who are at high risk of falls or who have already fallen.

Driving hazards: For the elderly, risk of injuring themselves and others while driving is higher than that for younger adults because of age-associated changes (eg, slowed reaction time) and conditions common among the elderly (eg, sensory deficits, dementia). Management of specific conditions (when possible) and routine driving tests can minimize risks. All elderly people should be reminded to use lap and shoulder belts and to refrain from driving when they are under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive drugs. Sensitivity is required when a health care practitioner must recommend cessation of driving because such a recommendation threatens autonomy.

Home hazards: The home may have many hazards. For example, people with peripheral neuropathy are at increased risk of burns from excessively hot water; burns can be prevented by setting the hot water heater temperature at < 49° C. For people with dementia, using electrical and gas appliances is particularly dangerous; use of alarms and automatic shut-off features on appliances can help. Smoke detectors should be installed and maintained. Firearms should be safely stored or removed from the home. All patients or their caregivers can complete a home safety checklist to identify hazards. Physical and occupational therapists may visit a patient's home to assess its safety.

This topic was last updated July 2005.