Falls are a huge issue for older adults, particularly if they already have mobility challenges. One fall can lead to fractures, hospital stays, and reduced independence, just for starters. For family caregivers, fall prevention is an essential piece of the aging in place puzzle. With the right help, fall prevention is much easier. Home care providers have a lot of experience reducing fall risks and giving seniors and the families who love them peace of mind.
Understand Fall Risk Factors First
Fall risk factors are the various possible challenges that might make a fall more likely for someone. For instance, seniors may experience balance problems, vision issues, or muscle weakness, which can all contribute to a fall. Medication side effects, health issues, and cognitive health changes can also make a fall more likely. As seniors become more concerned about falling, they might make decisions like reducing their activity levels, which contribute to falls.
Is There a History of Falling?
If seniors have experienced a past fall, this is a massive indicator that they are likely to fall again. This is true even if the first fall didn’t result in injuries or a hospital visit. Talk openly about what happened, even in the case of a near miss with a fall. Understanding what happened can give family caregivers valuable information to reduce the likelihood that another fall might happen.
Look at Other Variables
There are other possibilities, too. The senior’s home environment can greatly influence fall risk. Loose rugs, clutter on the floor, inappropriate lighting, and other issues can all be dangerous. Sometimes seniors’ daily routines could contribute to a fall. For instance, if they rush out of bed for midnight bathroom visits, they may be more likely to lose their balance or run into an obstacle. Identifying these other variables helps family caregivers put a solution in place before an accident happens.
Consider Mobility Aids
When seniors use mobility aids like walkers and canes properly, they can make a big difference in avoiding a fall. Many seniors don’t like using mobility aids because they’re embarrassing or they worry the mobility aid will cause a fall. These tools can help seniors be more confident and stable, supporting their independence. They can also be a valuable part of a fall prevention plan.
Home Care Can Also Help
Elder care providers offer support that seniors can lean on when they’re worried about a fall. That might even be literal, since home care providers can assist with mobility in and outside the home. Home care providers also get to know the seniors they care for, which allows them to notice subtle changes and issues that might contribute to a fall.
Preventing falls means trying to stay one step ahead of anything that might cause a fall for seniors. But it also means helping seniors to stay as independent and confident as possible. Home care providers can offer a lot of support as seniors strive to stay as healthy as they can while they age in place.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Castle Pines, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare of Parker. 303-953-9924
