Seniors who fall one time are twice as likely to fall again, according to The Centers for Disease Control. Coupled with the fact that one out of every five falls results in serious injury, family caregivers need to focus on reducing fall risk for their elderly family members as much as possible. Home care services and other tools can help to do just that.
Education
Education is a huge part of helping seniors to avoid falls, particularly at home. Family caregivers need to know about all of the various risk factors their senior family members face so that they can help to reduce the likelihood of a fall. Elder care providers can be a huge help with this, because they have experience helping seniors to stay safe at home.
Home Modifications
Sometimes the living spaces seniors have called home are not as safe as they could be. Modifying these areas wherever possible can reduce fall risk significantly. Some of the areas to consider include bathrooms, entryways, exterior pathways, stairs, and floors. Lighting improvements can also make a big difference for senior safety.
Exercise Programs
Seniors who aren’t as physically active as they truly need to be may find that they have more trouble with balance, flexibility, and loss of muscle tone. Part of improving safety and reducing fall risks might involve starting an exercise program within the guidelines set forth by a doctor. Improving mobility can greatly reduce the risk of falling.
Medication Reviews
Most medications have some type of side effect. The side effects to be concerned about in terms of falling include things like confusion, dizziness, or medications that could cause blood pressure to drop too low. Medication reviews with a senior’s doctor can help to determine if there are any reasons to change medications or dosages.
Regular Vision Checks
Improving lighting is a safety modification because better lighting helps seniors to see obstacles and avoid them. But if someone’s vision is becoming significantly worse, better lighting might not be enough. Regular vision checks can help to diagnose vision issues before they become a serious fall risk factor.
Footwear
The right shoes for a senior have good support, fit well, and have some sort of non-slip sole. Not wearing shoes at all or wearing ill-fitting footwear can be a big safety hazard. The right shoes can help seniors to completely avoid a fall, which is always the goal.
Assistive Devices
Assistive devices can be a tricky subject for some seniors because they may feel as if using these tools makes them seem or feel older than they are. But the reality is that using something like a cane or a walker can be exactly what seniors need in order to be safely mobile. Home care providers can help seniors to remember to use these devices safely.
Falls can have lifelong implications for seniors. By making some of these changes and relying on the help of home care professionals, aging adults may be able to reduce their fall risk considerably.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING HOME CARE IN SAN JOSE, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY. (408) 317-4969
