Fall Prevention

Signs that indicate your loved one may be at risk of falling include unexplained bruises or injuries, difficulty getting up from a seated position, holding onto furniture or walls for balance, and changes in their usual walking pattern or gait.

These signs may suggest reduced strength, balance issues, or potential medication side effects affecting stability. It's important to observe these signs and consider a fall-risk health assessment to implement preventive measures and ensure their safety at home.

Visiting Angels caregivers can help reduce fall risk through several types of home care. With companion care, we help your loved one maintain a safe, tidy home and help with day-to-day tasks such as light housekeeping, laundry, and errands.

If your loved one’s health increases their fall risk, personal care services can help with activities such as dressing, bathing, and mobility. Fall Prevention is key in several other Visiting Angels programs, including:

• Alzheimer's care
• Dementia care
• Transitional care

Most dangerous falls occur in or around the home. Visiting Angels can help you identify risk factors, such as:

• Getting a new mobility device
• Lack of grab bars in the bathroom
• Loose rugs or flooring
• Obstacles in the pathway
• Recent illness or medication changes

We’ll provide a home safety guide and checklist with easy modifications to reduce your loved one's risk of falling at home. Education topics include:

• Design changes to reduce fall risk at home
• Environmental risk factors that increase fall risk
• Lifestyle changes to improve your senior’s balance
• Physical, social, and emotional health impacts of falls on older adults
• Precautions you can take at home

Seniors can benefit from exercises like walking, tai chi, and yoga that improve balance and flexibility. Strength-training exercises using resistance bands or light weights can also help enhance muscle strength and stability.

Our professional caregivers can help implement these exercises safely and ensure they are appropriate for your loved one's fitness level.