Robert is an 82-year-old retired high school teacher who has lived in Colorado Springs for the past fifteen years. He moved to the Broadmoor area after retirement. Recently, Robert has been walking around his neighborhood less and less. He’s getting tired more easily and sometimes struggles to catch his breath.

Living at 6,000 feet elevation can be a challenge for aging adults because thinner air might affect balance or raise fatigue levels. But what’s more troublesome are average household things we don’t realize could be serious fall hazards like clutter, poorly-lit rooms or sets of stairs and loose carpets or throw rugs.

For Robert, maintaining his independence at home while staying safe required an understanding of how to modify his house and his lifestyle in such a way that would reduce any risk of falling down. He found such instruction and support from Visiting Angels in Colorado Springs.

Fall Prevention Provided by Visiting Angels

Visiting Angels provides non-medical home care services that help seniors live safely and independently in their own homes. Our Safe and Steady® Fall Prevention program can help reduce the potential for falls.

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For example, Visiting Angels helped Robert implement easily-achievable fall prevention measures after our in-home assessment. We recommended the installation of grab bars and non-slip mats in his bathroom, remove rugs and clutter from walkways, and increase lighting in passageways and on the staircase. We also recommended nightlights for bathrooms and bedrooms.

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Our caregivers assist with daily mobility, provide medication reminders to prevent dizziness-related falls, perform light housekeeping to eliminate trip hazards, and a companion to perform gentle exercise with. We help with personal care activities like bathing that are high-risk times for falls.

In addition to the home modifications we recommend above, we also rearranged furniture in Robert’s home for easy walking between rooms. Phone and electrical cords were moved out of pathways. Simple modifications like these reduced Robert's fall risk while maintaining his home's comfort and appearance.

Take Action for Your Loved One's Safety

Don't wait for a fall to happen, get ahead of it with our help. Just like how choosing Visiting Angels allowed Robert to maintain his independence while staying safe in his Colorado Springs home, you too can find solace and safety for your elderly loved one.

As a courtesy, we encourage you to Download our FREE Fall Prevention Guide for safety tips and a home assessment checklist for seniors and their families to follow.

How Can Professional Caregivers Help Prevent Falls?

Our caregivers are trained to provide mobility assistance, maintain safe home environments, offer medication reminders, and provide companionship that encourages continued activity and independence. Call Visiting Angels of Colorado Springs at 719-282-0180 to schedule your free consultation. After the visit, we will recommend a personal caregiver who can assist with daily activities of living that will allow your loved one to remain living safely at home while giving you peace of mind.

Why do elderly people often refuse to call for help after falling?
Many seniors feel a sense of shame and immense fear about losing their independence. Plus, they worry about burdening their family members. Their fear is compounded by the threat of being forced to leave their homes if falls are reported.

What should I do if my elderly parent has fallen?
The first thing to do is to make sure your parent gets a medical evaluation (even if their injuries seem minor at the time). Document the circumstances, assess the home for fall or trip hazards, and consider a professional fall risk assessment and in-home care services from Visiting Angels to prevent future incidents.