A severe fall could seriously damage a senior's quality of life. Slips may cause harm physically, but they can also have psychological and social effects. Fear of falling is a common reason for older people to avoid leaving the house, skip essential family gatherings, and decline social invitations. Retreating into one's world may lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and marginalization.

Investigating potential dangers and removing them from the home might prevent some falls. Nonetheless, risky behavior and chronic health issues may also have a role. For many years, fall prevention has been a top priority for older people in Hyattsville, Cheverly, Chillum, and across Maryland because of Visiting Angels Hyattsville's in-home elder care services.

Call 240-667-2904 to learn how Visiting Angels Hyattsville could keep your loved one safe!

Understanding the Risks of Falls and How Professional Home Care Aides Can Ensure the Safety of Seniors in Hyattsville, MD, and Surrounding Areas

Hyattsville and nearby elders are particularly vulnerable to the psychological and social effects of falls. The fear of falling and breaking a bone is a common reason why older adults avoid going out and participating in social activities. It should be noted, nevertheless, that falls do not occur at random. Researching the many variables that put seniors at increased risk of fall injuries, the effects of falls on seniors, and the specific ways a professional caregiver can assist a loved one in avoiding falls should be your first step before considering hiring a home care aide.

Factors Increasing the Risk of Falls in the Elderly

Present medical disorders, medical issues, and inadequate home supporting structures are among the risk factors that raise the possibility of falling.

Some of the most prevalent things that might cause an older adult to fall are:

External factors:

Medications' adverse effects and dehydration are two external variables that might raise the risk of falls.

Medical conditions:

The risk of falling is higher for those with certain medical disorders, such as impaired vision, arthritis, and other long-term health issues.

Environmental factors:

People are likelier to fall because essential home areas like the bathroom do not have grab bars. This is very important if you or a loved one has mobility issues.

Ensuring an elderly loved one is secure in their home should be a top priority for anybody providing care. However, this may be challenging if you reside outside of Visting Angels Hyattsville territory or have a family or job that demands your attention. Your loved one will be less likely to fall if you employ a skilled home care helper from Visiting Angels of Hyattsville who is available whenever they need them.

Risk Factors to Take Care of For Your Aging Loved One

One or more risk factors—variables raising a person's fall risk—cause falls. Internal risk factors might include weakness, shuffling, loss of balance, limited flexibility, poor vision, arthritis, several drugs, and dehydration. Cognitive problems like dementia might also cause elders to fall more easily.

Alternatively, danger factors could be found outside or in the house's surroundings. Hazards might arise from clutter, uneven floor surfaces, inadequate illumination, damp flooring, or absent grab rails in the restroom.

Many falls may be avoided by quick identification and resolution of risk factors. Though dangerous activities like abusing alcohol and standing on a chair to access a high item may also increase the probability of falls, these hazardous habits can be handled with mild reminders and education. Our at-home elder care offerings at Visiting Angels Hyattsville may assist in stopping harmful falls.

How Can Visiting Angels' At-Home Senior Care Services Help Hyattsville-Area Seniors Remain Safe?

Fall prevention among older people remains difficult. One may benefit by using a cane or walker. Our at-home elder care professionals teach seniors and their families about fall prevention to preserve their health and well-being.

Among the many methods family members or our professional at-home older caregivers may assist seniors in avoiding falls are:

• Light cleaning services help to clear clutter.
• Change the illumination.
• Add handrails and lights to stairs.
• In restrooms, install grab bars and keep the floor dry.
• Make use of assistance tools like walkers and canes.
• Arrange a phone in a convenient spot.
• Assisting older people in getting in and out of the bathtub to prevent sliding on damp surfaces
• Think through a personal medical alert system.
• The store often used objects in reach.
• Remind older adults to follow their prescriptions strictly and be alert for any side effects affecting their mobility and balance.
• Assist older adults using the stairs and securely go from one room to another.
• Cooking meals that let seniors maintain their strength and acquire the nutrition they require

Our in-home care for the elderly is unique among home health care providers in that it is tailored to each individual's needs. As a result, we tailor our services to each client's needs, preferences, and routines, creating individualized care plans that cover all the bases. Your loved one will always be kept secure with our fall prevention programs.

Schedule a FREE In-Home Consultation

Our free in-home consultations at Visiting Angels Hyattsville include a fall prevention evaluation. Contact us right now to learn more!