March 10, 2023
As seniors age, their risk of falling may increase. This happens for various reasons, but steps can be taken to prevent unnecessary falls. Adding personal care at home can ensure senior safety and provide assistance when needed. Continue reading to learn other ways caregivers can decrease the risk of falls for seniors.
Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for seniors. A fall can decrease seniors’ independence and take away their freedom to remain in their homes. Many people hear about seniors falling and assume it’s simply an effect of aging. This is not necessarily true. Some steps can be taken to decrease the risk of falls.
With communication and planning, the risk of falls can dramatically increase. Discuss medications with medical professionals that might interfere with balance. Explore the best time to take these medications and ensure that seniors are monitored if they need to be taken when they are active.
Ensure that seniors have their hearing and vision checked for possible issues. Vision issues such as cataracts or glaucoma may decrease visual field. A decline in either sense may contribute to an increased risk of falling.
Pay attention to the shoes seniors are wearing. Do they fit properly? It might be good to check with a podiatrist to ensure foot health. A professional can discuss gait and posture that might assist in decreasing the risk of a fall.
Seniors can prevent falls by remaining active. Encourage seniors to stay active by attending a gentle yoga or Tai Chi class. If seniors prefer walking, adding personal care at home will allow them to walk around the neighborhood while receiving much-needed socialization at the same time.
Having a personal care at home caregiver can assist in getting your senior loved one up and moving. Exercises that use their body weight can also assist in strengthening muscles, including those in the legs and hips.
Seniors may struggle with adding activity if they’ve been mainly sedentary. Encourage them to start slowly, with a few minutes a day. Eventually, they should work up to at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity daily.
Throughout their lifetime, seniors accumulate things in their homes that might contribute to the risk of falls when they are older. Work with personal care at home professionals and seniors to discuss minimizing these concerns. Remove rugs that may become a tripping hazard and ensure that hallways and doorways are not blocked.
This can be emotional for seniors as they do not want to lose memories associated with their belongings. Listen to their feelings and discuss alternatives. Seniors may feel better knowing their special items are with family members rather than being discarded. Another option is rearranging rooms to provide better flow without eliminating their belongings.
Consider aids in the home, such as handrails and nonslip bathtub strips. Look for nightlights to assist when seniors get up in the middle of the night. These steps can go a long way in ensuring seniors are safe in their homes.
With precautions in place and the support of personal care at home, seniors can continue living in their homes with increased safety from falls. Home care can assist with other issues seniors may face, such as the need for transportation as their driving ability decreases or other safety measures like cooking.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Personal Care at Home in Squirrel Hill, PA, please contact the caring staff at In-Home Quality Care today. Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area since 1990! Call 412-421-5202
