Let’s talk senior safety. No matter who you are, taking a fall is always dangerous. For older folks, it can even be deadly. To that end, let’s discuss what to do if you fall in the pool area.
Seniors are at Greater Risk
Not many people want to admit it, but as we age, our bodies don’t necessarily bounce back from injury like we expect. Falls that might have caused a minor inconvenience a few years prior may now pose a serious threat.
According to research from the CDC, roughly 30,000 seniors die each year from injuries caused by falling. Overall, this makes fatal falls the leading cause of accidental death for seniors. Besides death, falls can also cause serious injuries and a decline of quality-of-life for seniors.
Senior Safety: The Dangers of Slipping
When water and wet surfaces are put together, the possibility of a serious fall becomes a serious possibility. Before entering the pool area, consider wearing water shoes to improve your traction on wet surfaces. Additionally, be sure to hold firmly onto railings and take your time to help prevent a slip.
Additionally, it can help significantly to have a friend or loved one nearby. Knowing what to do if you fall in the pool area is one thing, but having someone who is watching your back takes a lot of the burden off of you. For this reason, the buddy system remains extremely helpful for people of all ages.
Finally, be sure to check with a medical professional before taking a dip. Entering the water might not be advisable, depending on your health. You may also ask a doctor about using a medical alert system. If you don’t have a friend nearby, these devices can save your life both in and out of the water.
Slipping and Sliding: What to Do if You Fall in the Pool Area
First, let’s talk about what to do if you fall in the pool area. First and foremost, assess whether you are injured before attempting to stand up. Take time with this step. Start by laying calm and still, slowly moving your extremities to assess for pain.
Again, take it slow. Moving when you are injured can cause serious problems. It can increase damage or lead to chronic problems later.
If you do not believe you are seriously hurt, here are some steps to help you get safely back on your feet:
- Once you are sure that you are not injured, begin by gently and slowly rolling onto your side.
- Next, slowly push your body up onto all fours, in a crawling position.
- Slowly crawl toward a chair or other piece of nearby sturdy
- Place your hands on the seat of the chair, one at a time.
- Now that you can use the chair for support, gently and slowly put your stronger foot flat on the ground and bring your leg up to a 90-degree angle. Keep your other leg in the kneeling position during this movement.
- Using the chair and your own strength, gradually push yourself up to a standing position.
- Next, take a rest before heading inside. Once again assess how you are feeling. You’ve taken a fall, so give yourself a few moments to calmly reset.
In the event that you are injured, the situation should be handled very differently:
- Above all, stay calm as you assess which areas of your body are injured. Try not to move much.
- As mentioned earlier, a friend or medical alert device can summon emergency medical care, if available.
- If you do not have one of these devices, begin yelling and banging for help. In this case, hopefully a neighbor will be able to assist you.
- Again, try not to move unless necessary. Be honest with responders about your injuries.
