Everyone takes a tumble every now and then; whether it’s an icy sidewalk or a children’s toy on a staircase, fall accidents do happen to residents throughout the Hudson Valley every day. When an elderly person takes a fall, however, it’s far more difficult for them to stand up and brush themselves off. In fact, according to the results of a new study, older adults who fall can suffer from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The study was published in September in General Hospital Psychiatry and revealed that when an elderly person falls and has injuries serious enough to land them in the hospital, they can suffer from PTSD. Women, unemployed people and those with less education are particularly susceptible to suffering from PTSD after a fall, according to the study.
In fact, individuals studied for the report said they felt major emotional reactions when they were reminded of the fall. They also said the stress they feel, post fall, can impact their ability to make future plans and causes sleep disturbances.
It’s understandable that an elderly person, whose balance or eyesight, for example, may make it difficult to navigate unfamiliar areas. So, when they do fall, they are even more worried about falling again. Further, the injuries sustained in the first fall can be seriously life-altering, which adds to a senior’s stress.
If you or someone you love has recently taken a fall and is suffering from depression, anxiety or other PTSD-related symptoms, talk to a doctor about how concerns about future falls may be alleviated through medication, counseling and other methods. Next, contact a personal injury attorney who will work hard to make sure you are compensation for your injuries.
If you believe the fall that caused the injury and subsequent PTSD was caused by the negligence of another party – perhaps a storekeeper falls to clear leaves from the sidewalk or a parking lot owner didn’t repair a pot hole – talk to the experienced personal injury attorneys at Hudson Valley-based Stenger, Diamond & Glass LLP. We will talk to you about your case for free and fight for maximum compensation for your injuries.