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47,000 Elderly Hurt in Walker, Cane Mishaps Each Year

47,000 Elderly Hurt in Walker, Cane Mishaps Each Year

June 29, 2009 - 12:20pm 133 reads 1 comments

One in three people who had a walker-related fall and 28 percent of those who had a cane-related fall had to be hospitalized.
The findings were published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

"Walking aids are very important in helping many older adults maintain their mobility. However, it's important to make sure people use these devices safely," study lead author Judy Stevens said in a news release. "Walkers are often used by frail and vulnerable older adults; people for whom falls, if they occur, can have very serious health consequences."

In order to prevent falls among people who use walkers or canes, professionals should spend more time with clients to fit walking aids. In addition, clients should be educated about the safe use of walkers and canes, the researchers said.

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Anonymous

Oh god. That is really sad. Ya true, with increase of age, the risk of falling while using walker increases. Once they get fractured, it becomes difficult to come to routine. Taking care of geriatric is very good. Many geriatric may not always be able to express their health concerns. One can help them to gain stronghold in life. To get more knowledge on geriatric care, refer http://www.zippy-health.com/essence-of-fine-geriatric-care-part-ii/

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