Emergency department visits stemming from falls among senior citizens are continuing an upward trend, according to the county's Aging & Independence Services department.
In recognition of Fall Prevention Awareness Week, county officials are calling on elderly residents and those who care for them to take stock of potential hazards that could lead to tumbles and injuries.
Though dangers like slick floors and cracked pavement are commonly recognized threats, officials emphasize that many risks exist within the home itself. Unsecured floor coverings, inadequate lighting in corridors, and items stored out of easy reach all pose significant injury risks to older adults.
The county agency is encouraging families to conduct thorough assessments of living spaces to identify and address these often-overlooked hazards before they result in emergency medical situations.