Fall Prevention Strategies And Tips For Aging Seniors From Visiting Angels of Auburn
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and non-fatal hospital admissions among older adults. Every year, one in four senior falls. Below, we’re going to discuss the fall prevention precautions that seniors should take in order to prevent these injuries and how the senior care of Visiting Angels of Auburn can help.
Falls: What Causes Them?
Both physical and environmental causes can increase a person’s ability to fall. Physical determinants such as medical conditions, balance disorders, and vision problems can translate into being more likely to fall. Some environmental causes include slippery floors, poor lighting, and unnecessary clutter. These risk factors can stack up tremendously and cause a person’s fall risk to skyrocket.
The Emotional Impact of Falls
After a senior falls for the first time, they may incorporate negative habits into their daily routine in order to “prevent” themselves from falling again. This may include withdrawing from social events, looking down to avoid tripping and holding onto furniture to maintain their balance. A senior may even avoid simple tasks such as going to the bathroom in order to prevent themselves from falling.
Fall Prevention Tips
These tips from Visiting Angels of Auburn will reduce fall risk and lessen the chance of falling and becoming injured.
- Ask Your Doctor
At the doctor’s office, you can tell them about key factors of your loved one’s fall history (their medical history, any near falls, or constant unsteadiness.) Additionally, you and your doctor can discuss any fall prevention strategies or any additional examinations needed to better their quality of life.
2. Make Lifestyle Changes
Physical activity will help your loved one increase their strength, balance, and flexibility. Activities like walking, gardening, and yoga are great exercises for beginners. Additionally, using resistance bands and weights can help your loved one build muscle strength. As always, be sure to check with your physician before developing a workout routine.
3. Evaluate Your Home
Be sure to evaluate any hazards that you may have within your home. Then, you may have to modify your home in order to diminish your loved one’s chance of falling.
These modifications may include:
- Flashlight near bed
- Grab bars near the shower and toilet
- Non-skid tub mats and handheld shower heads
- Night-lights in dark rooms
Implementing these tips and understanding fall risks will help prevent your loved one from falling. At Visiting Angels of Auburn, we can help your loved one through our specifically designed fall prevention program. We can evaluate your loved one’s specific fall risks and help you understand what the next step. Call us today to learn more.