Older Adults And Burns

Burns of all kinds can occur in people of many different ages. Older adults, however, are at a particularly increased risk of injury from scalds and burns compared to other ages. As well as a higher risk of burns, older adults are also at a higher risk of death from accidental fires. Why exactly is this?

The normal changes that occur to everyone during the natural aging process, such as impaired vision, changes in both comprehension and cognitive abilities, and mobility changes can all make older adults much more susceptible to burn injuries than younger people who are much healthier. In addition to those normal changes, the frequent use of medication can also lead to some side effects that further increase that risk.

Injuries that occur in older adults as a result of scalds, burns and fires are dramatically on the rise. The American Burn Association states that in American adults over the age of 65, roughly 1,200 will die every year as a result of injuries from burns or fires.

The second leading cause of burn injuries in older adults is scalds, followed by faulty electric hardware and chemical burns. Burn injuries in the older population occur frequently in both the home setting as well as the nursing home or assisted living environment.

The physical, cognitive and mobility changes that occur with advanced age put older adults at an increased risk of suffering from a burn or a fire related injury.

An example of this would be an older adult with impaired vision experiencing a burn to the hand because they were not able to see that the burner on top of the stove was actually on. In the case of fires, older adults with impaired mobility may not have the motor skills necessary to escape a fire. Because of all this, older adults are much more at risk of burn and fire related injuries.

Starting to get worried from all this information? While older adults are certainly more susceptible to burn injuries, there are may steps you can take to help prevent this as well as treat burn injuries in the case that they do happen.

Fortunately, many nursing homes and assisted living facilities work hard to ensure that the living environment is safe for older adults. Safety measures in place to prevent burns and fire injuries include educating patients, their families and employees about burns, common causes and effective prevention methods.

In the home environment, safety precautions are crucial, especially for older adults who live alone in their home. Of all in-home injuries in the elderly population, burns and fire injuries are the number 2 cause of death due to accidental injury. Children, family members, in-home caregivers and neighbors can all help to prevent burns and fire injuries in older adults living alone at home by taking simple preventive measures. Ensuring that the home environment is free from burn hazards, as well as educating older adults about burn risks and prevention is crucial for preventing burns and fire related injuries.

Burn Prevention And Treatment In Older Adults

Burn Prevention

With the increased risk of scalds, burns and fire injuries, taking preventive measures to prevent these injuries in older adults is crucial. Family members and caregivers should take care to ensure that the home or room in a nursing home or assisted living facility is free from hazards that can increase the risk of burns or fire related injuries.

Good Housekeeping

Good housekeeping is essential to burn prevention. The home or room should remain uncluttered and free from scattered debris that could be a starting point for a fire. All electrical cords should be in good condition, any cords that are frayed or damaged should be discarded and replaced immediately. Cords should be kept away from all water sources and should be stored neatly out of the way. All electrical equipment and appliances should be used and stored in a safe manner.

The kitchen is the room that has the most potential for burns and fires. Care should be taken to clean out toasters and toaster ovens to prevent fires from occurring as a result of burned foods and crumbs catching a spark. Pot and pan handles should always be turned to face inwards, away from the front of the stove to prevent burns. Older adults should be instructed to always use mitts or pot holders when handling hot pots and pans on the stove or when removing items from the oven. Hot food items should always be placed in the center of the table and away from the edge. This will help to prevent spills that can result in burns if the table is bumped or banged into.

Flammable Materials

Flammable and combustible materials are a serious fire hazard and they should be properly stored in an enclosed area. Flammable and combustible materials should never be stored in an area where they may come into contact with sparks or open flames. This goes for both indoor and outdoor areas. When storing these materials, be sure to place them in a cool, enclosed area such as the basement, garage or storage closet.

Chemicals

All chemicals, even those that are not flammable, must be handled with care and stored properly. Chemical burns can result on the skin as a result of coming into contact with chemicals. As people age, their skin becomes more sensitive and prone to burns and infections. As a result of this sensitization, the skin on older adults can burn quickly, even if the chemical is only on the skin for a short period of time. Wearing plastic gloves when using cleaning products or whenever handling chemicals can minimize the chance of chemical burns, as can properly storing chemicals in a secure enclosed area.

Fire-Proof Home

In order to keep an elderly adult’s home fire-safe, it is important that the home is well maintained and properly cared for. Many older adults no longer have the physical capacity to properly care for their home, in which case it is essential that family members or caregivers take the steps necessary to ensure the home is well maintained. All electrical wiring should be checked often and any combustible debris should be removed from the property.

Water Safety

Tap water should always be kept at a safe temperature. This can be done by making sure that the thermostat on the water heater is set no higher than 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This can help prevent burns from scalding tap water.