Falling is especially hazardous for seniors, who take longer to heal and are at greater risk for fractures and broken bones. For an elderly person, a fall could lead to significantly decreased mobility and independence. To keep your senior loved one healthy and active, here are five tips to reduce the risk of falls.
1. Keep the Environment Safe
If there are obstacles around the home, your loved one is more likely to fall. Take a walk around the home and pick up or organize clutter. Repair items such as broken floorboards, remove rugs that could become hazards, and place nonslip bath mats in front of tubs and showers.
Check regularly for things that can cause a fall, including electric cords, loose carpeting, extra-long cords on blinds, and anything else a foot can get caught on. If possible, rearrange furniture to create wider spaces for your loved one to walk in throughout the home.
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 elder 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.
2. Stay Hands-Free in the Home
Keep a shoulder bag on hand so your parent can carry items from room to room while maintaining full use of his or her hands and arms for balance. Encourage your loved one to ask for help when needed and avoid carrying heavy or awkward items.
3. Know about Prescription Side Effects
Know what side effects your loved one’s prescriptions may cause, such as dizziness or tiredness. It’s safer for your loved one to take such medications at bedtime to reduce the amount of time he or she is moving around immediately after taking them.
4. Practice Bathroom Safety
Seniors with mobility or balance issues may find it challenging to maneuver around the bathroom. Installing handrails and grab bars gives your loved one something to hold on to when stepping over the bathtub ledge or sitting down on the toilet.
Make sure the grab bars are installed properly so they support your loved one’s weight while preventing a fall and that there are safety rails in the shower and by the toilet, a rubber mat in the bathtub, non-skid rugs or carpeting on the floor, and no loose objects in the bathroom. If possible, secure a chair or bench in the shower for your loved one to use while bathing.
Helping your loved one with toileting, bathing, and reducing the risk of falls in the bathroom can be challenging. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Philadelphia respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
5. Enhance Lighting in the Home
Proper lighting goes a long way toward preventing fall-related accidents. When your loved one is in an environment with dark or even average lighting, he or she is more likely to fall over things he or she doesn’t see or trip over shadows that appear to be objects.
Since poor night vision makes it difficult for seniors to find light switches, they might be tempted to try to use the restroom in the dark to prevent incontinence-related accidents. Place lamps at the entrance of every room and night lights in the hallways for added safety. You can also solve this common issue by installing motion sensor lights that come on as soon as your loved one walks by them.
An increased risk of falls is one of the many challenges seniors may have to face. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional home care. Philadelphia families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. If you need professional care for your loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (215) 645-4663.