A severe fall can drastically alter an older adult's quality of life. Apart from resulting in physical harm, falls can also have an emotional and social impact on an individual. Older adults who are afraid of falling may turn down social invitations, skip significant family events, or even avoid leaving the house altogether. Feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and social isolation can result from seclusion. 

Falls can be avoided by looking at risk factors and handling household hazards. However, risky behavior and long-term health problems can also be factors. Our at-home senior care services at Visiting Angels of Mercer & Burlington Counties have assisted seniors in Lawrenceville, Willingboro, and throughout Mercer and Burlington Counties in staying safe and avoiding potentially harmful falls.

To learn how Visiting Angels of Mercer & Burlington Counties can keep your loved one safe, call us at 609-883-8188! 

What Effects Can Falls Have on Seniors?

As you may know: 

• 3 out of every 5 older adults fall each year, and 1 in 5 of them will suffer a severe injury like a fractured hip, concussion, or other injury
  
• 23% of falls happen outside but close to the house; 55% happen inside
  
• Seniors more likely to fall again after their first fall
  
• Every year falls send more than 800,000 older adults to the hospital
  
• In a long-term care facility, healing from injuries like hip fractures can take up to a year; 40% of patients who fall are never allowed to return home
  
• 20% of seniors pass away a year after falling

As you can see, seniors are vulnerable to the risks associated with falls and their ensuing consequences. If you're worried about the safety of an aging loved one, it's critical to act quickly to locate the appropriate support. Consider hiring Visiting Angels of Mercer & Burlington Counties for in-home senior care services for peace of mind.

Risk Elements to Consider

One or more risk factors—conditions that raise a person's chance of falling—cause falls. Internal risk factors include things like weakness, stumbling, losing balance, being less flexible, having poor vision, having arthritis, taking too many medications, and being dehydrated. Seniors who suffer from cognitive problems like dementia may also be more vulnerable to falls.

Alternatively, risk factors could come from outside the house and happen there. Unkempt spaces, uneven flooring, dim lighting, damp flooring, and bathrooms without grab bars can all turn into dangerous situations.

Risk factors can be promptly identified and addressed to prevent many falls. Conversely, risky behaviors like abusing alcohol and standing on a chair to reach a high object can be addressed with education and gentle reminders. Risky falls can be avoided with the help of Visiting Angels of Mercer & Burlington Counties' senior care services.

How Can Seniors in Stay Safe With Visiting Angels' At-Home Senior Care Services?

Preventing falls in older people can be challenging. To preserve their health and well-being, our in-home senior caregivers will monitor and practice fall prevention techniques.

The following are strategies to prevent falls in seniors:

• Remove clutter with simple housekeeping tasks 
• Upgrade to brighter lighting 
• Give stairways handrails and lighting
  
• In bathrooms, install grab bars and maintain dry floors
  
• Encourage use walking sticks, canes, rollators, and/or walkers to assist
  
• Keep a phone in a convenient, easy-to-access location
  
• Get a personal medical alert device for a loved one
  
• Ensure that frequently used items are easily accessible
  
• Remind seniors to take their medications as prescribed and be aware of any possible side effects affecting their mobility and balance
  
• Assist seniors in using the stairs and moving around the house safely
  
• Assisting older adults in and out of the bathtub to prevent falls on damp surfaces
• Encourage drinking liquids to stay hydrated
  
• Preparing food to ensure seniors maintain their strength and get the nutrients they need

Why have families in central and south Jersey have relied on Visiting Angels to prevent falls? Unlike long term care facilities, we provide at-home senior care services with a personalized, one-on-one approach. Each client receives a customized care plan that considers their daily routine, preferences, and schedule while providing the required services. When they need it, your loved one can receive assistance to stay safe with our fall prevention services.

Contact Visiting Angels of Mercer & Burlington Counties today; we're happy to discuss the care needs of your loved one.