With age, bones become more brittle, thus increasing the risk of falls and fall-related injuries. Studies report that falls are one of the leading causes of hip fractures, broken bones, and disability among older adults. In addition to immediately addressing any injuries that result from a fall, a senior who falls may require a trip to the emergency room and a subsequent hospital stay.
Surgeries and extended bed rest pose further risks for seniors. One of the most common risks is infection. Because seniors’ immune systems aren’t as strong as those of their younger counterparts, even the most minor infections can be extremely dangerous for their overall health.
Falling is often the initial event that triggers a domino effect, leading to other serious health problems for the elderly. If you provide care for an aging loved one, putting measures in place to avoid falls at home is essential. Here are several ways you can help your loved one prevent falls.
Clear Clutter
Make sure your loved one’s home is clear of clutter. Remove all loose rugs, electrical cords, piles of books or magazines, and anything else that could cause your parent to trip and fall. Also, make sure all hallways and doors can be easily accessed and that nothing is blocking them.
Consider taking a break from your caregiving duties to observe your loved one’s home environment and remove clutter. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Oakville in-home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help.
Install Lighting
Seniors often experience a decrease in vision as they age. Make sure the lighting in your loved one’s home is bright, especially in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and hallways as well as near stairs. Doing so will help your loved one avoid falling over furniture or tripping over thresholds between rooms.
Focus on the Bathroom
Installing grab bars in the shower and a nonskid mat on the bottom of the bathtub or shower will enable your loved one’s balance and footing to be more secure when bathing. If you think additional help is needed, consider getting help from a professional caregiver. A highly trained caregiver can assist with bathing, dressing, and grooming, treating your loved one with dignity and respect while ensuring his or her safety.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the many ways you can reduce your loved one’s risk of falls. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of senior home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
Learn about Potential Medication Side Effects
Some medications have side effects, such as dizziness, that can cause a person to fall, and your loved one’s medications should be monitored on a regular basis. If your loved one has recently been prescribed a new medication, be on the lookout for changes in balance or behaviour, as the new medication may have adverse side effects or may be dangerous when combined with other medications.
Check Furniture
Old pieces of furniture may no longer be as sturdy as they once were, posing a fall risk for seniors who use them as aids to navigate through the home. Remove any pieces of furniture that are no longer stable, and try to keep larger pieces in the same arrangement or location in the home. Familiar surroundings aren’t only comforting to an older adult, but they can also minimize fall risk.
An increased risk of falls is one of the many challenges seniors may have to face. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Oakville live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life. To learn about our revolutionary in-home care plans, call us at (905) 337-1200 today.