As individuals age, they often must cope with the onset of osteoporosis. This condition, which causes bones to weaken, is more common in women, though. Still, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 10 million Americans currently are living with the disease.
A slip-and-fall accident can be particularly bad for anyone with osteoporosis, as low bone density can cause bones to break easily. Unfortunately, having osteoporosis also can increase a person’s chances of slipping, tripping and falling.
A greater risk
Osteoporosis often comes with diminished posture and muscular weakness, so it is not difficult to see why a person with the disease might have a greater risk of falling. After all, good posture and muscular strength tend to hold individuals upright.
Additional injuries
If someone in your family has osteoporosis, it is important to check in with him or her regularly. Indeed, because osteoporosis sufferers might not be able to get back on their feet after falling, your loved one may be vulnerable to additional post-fall injuries, such as dehydration.
Commonsense accommodations
Most falls happen at home, so you should consider renovating your loved one’s house to remove fall-associated hazards, such as stairs, rugs or damaged flooring. Nevertheless, if your family member has a history of falling, he or she might need more involved care.
You also must be careful when taking your relative on outings, as public spaces may not be safe for those with osteoporosis. Ultimately, if someone you love suffers serious injuries during a fall, pursuing financial compensation might give him or her the resources to make a full recovery.