According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.4 million Americans sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) each year.  TBIs occur during everyday activities, including falls, motor vehicle crashes, assaults, and sports injuries, including concussions, and are often preventable.

The CDC also reports that falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury.  28% of the TBIs sustained in the US are the result of falls.  Fall rates are highest for children under 4 years and adults age 75 and older.  Among older people, the risk of falling increases with age.  Also, two-thirds of those who experience a fall will fall again within the next six months. (Statistics from the CDC and Brain Injury Association of America.)

The Brain Injury Association of New Jersey reports that at least one-third of all falls among older people involve environmental hazards in the home.  These could be due to poor lighting, throw rugs, uneven floors, unstable furniture, or objects on the floor.  Other factors that contribute to falls among seniors include: problems with gait and balance, decreased bone density, decreased strength, visual impairment, illness, physical conditions, and also some medications.

If your elderly loved one suffers a brain injury, you may find yourself thrust into the caregiving role. Both you and your loved one may experience feelings of grief and loss.  For your loved one, there is the potential for the loss of identity, self-esteem, self-control, expression/communication, independence, relationships, mobility, vocational/career identity, productivity, income and assets. For you, as the caregiver, there is potential for dramatic change with reference to the dynamics of your relationship with your elderly loved ones, your responsibilities as the caregiver, freedom, and lifestyle. 

Knowing that falls are the number one cause of brain injuries among the older population, the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey offers the following safety tips for your loved ones: 

• Check that all areas of your home are well lit, especially hallways and stairs.
• Begin an exercise program, with your doctor’s approval, to improve your strength and balance.
• Review medications with your healthcare provider, paying close attention to possible side effects.
• Use double-sided tape on sides to secure area rugs.
• Reorganize work and storage areas so that they are within easy reach.
• Wear supportive, low-heeled shoes, even at home.
• Install at least one grab bar in the bathtub or shower.
• Have your vision checked at least once each year.
• Keep a flashlight next to the bed.

The Brain Injury Association of New Jersey offers prevention information and a range of vital programs and services for people who have sustained brain injury, their families, professionals who work with persons with brain injury, and the general public. 

To educate seniors, caregivers and families about fall prevention and pedestrian safety, the Brain Injury Association offers Heads Up! Seniors.  This interactive presentation is available in central and southern New Jersey, including Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties.

The Association also offers statewide programs including a toll free Family Helpline, Information & Resources, Brain Injury Basics For Families, Support Groups, and a Mentor Program. The Association encourages everyone, including caregivers, to learn more about fall prevention by visiting www.bianj.org, or by calling the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey’s Family Help Line at 1-800-669-4323.

A huge thanks to Caroline Liepf from the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey for helping me to compile all of this information for the article!