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When people reach their elderly years, one of the biggest concerns regarding their health and well-being is their increased likelihood of suffering from a fall.
Seniors naturally do not have the strength they once had, so it can be a lot easier to accidentally suffer a fall. Some elderly individuals have certain conditions that make falls an even greater possibility. But even elderly individuals who still have good health and strength are at risk for falls. In fact, falls are a leading cause for senior accidents, injuries, and even death as well.
Knowing of the legitimate threat of falls for seniors, it is important that families do what they can to prevent such accidents from happening to their elderly loved ones.
If you have a senior relative and are concerned about their falling risk, then continue reading to learn more about what commonly causes falls and what you can do to help prevent them.
What are the Common Causes of Falls for Seniors?
1. Unsafe Environment
If your elderly loved one’s living space is cluttered and unsafe, it doesn’t promote their safety and well-being, making it easier for them to suffer a fall. For example, slippery flooring and loose rugs or carpeting can act as a tripping hazard. One misstep could cause a senior to lose their balance and fall. Homes with insufficient lighting also make it difficult to get around safely because this results in poor vision.
2. Physical Condition
A senior’s physical condition can contribute to an increased potential for falling in numerous ways. If an elderly individual has bad eyesight due to old age or another condition like a chronic disease, then it could easily cause them to suffer from a fall. Failing to see a step on the stairs or an electrical cord sticking out could cause anyone to trip and fall, potentially injuring themselves.
Poor balance and strength can cause seniors to fall as well. Both features are normal signs of aging, but it’s something that needs to be taken into consideration to protect them from falls.
3. Medication Side Effects
It isn’t uncommon for elderly individuals to have a myriad of medications that they need. These medications help seniors manage their conditions and live their everyday lives more easily. But they also can have side effects that can make seniors even more prone to falling.
For example, some medications that are used to help manage heart conditions and diabetes can affect a person’s balance. This is just one reason why it is important for anyone who takes medications to know about their side effects.
How Can Falls Be Prevented for Seniors?
1. Make the Home Safer
When your elderly loved one lives in an environment with minimal falling risks, then there is a lesser chance they’ll suffer a fall and become hurt as a result. So, make the home safer by adding sufficient lighting throughout the home, especially in entryways, exits, and hallways. Nightlights can be particularly helpful for trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Remove area rugs, or make sure they are secured to prevent movement and slipping. Add non-slip matting to slippery flooring and in the bathtub/shower. Install handrails and grab bars where seniors might need extra support, such as near the toilet or on the stairs.
2. Exercise
While you cannot prevent old age, you can limit the effects age has on your body. With regular exercise and physical activity, seniors can maintain their strength and balance so that they are less prone to falls. Such exercise does not need to be strenuous or difficult. Simply taking walks and doing light strengthening exercises is sufficient.
3. Visit the Doctor Regularly
With regular doctor visits, seniors can have their health checked and learn about any issues they might have. For example, an elderly person’s physician might recommend the use of a cane and check for vision problems.
Doctor visits can also be an opportunity for seniors to bring up concerns they have. Maybe elderly individuals have been experiencing dizzy spells or suffer from ill side effects from medication intake. This should be brought up to their doctor so that they can help.
Professional Senior Home Care Services from Assisting Hands Home Care
Many elderly individuals live on their own and do not have someone around to help them in the event of a fall. Because of this, family members may worry about the safety of their elderly relatives in their own homes. But seniors can get some help from a professional caregiver.
At Assisting Hands Home Care, we have various home care services available to assist elderly individuals who are aging at home in Frankfort, Mokena, Matteson, Bourbonnais, Crete IL, and the neighboring areas. Furthermore, we offer specialized elderly care services, such as live-in care and 24/7 home care, to better cater to seniors’ unique care needs.
For elderly individuals who have a high falling risk, having a live-in caregiver or getting help from our 24/7 home care services can be especially beneficial. With live-in care, a caregiver will reside at home with the senior, providing help throughout the day and during the night when they aren’t sleeping. With 24/7 home care, a caregiver will be awake and available to help at all times of the day.
With help from Assisting Hands, you can feel content knowing that your elderly loved one has a qualified professional to help in the event of a fall or other emergency. Call Assisting Hands Home Care at (708) 880-7711 to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation.
