Elderly Care Services in Kansas City: Fall Prevention Tips from Our Team

Falling may not seem like a serious medical event early in life, but for older adults, an unexpected stumble can take a real toll on their overall health and quality of life at home. At Visiting Angels^® Kansas City, our caregivers provide elderly care services for many seniors who are recovering from a fall, and we've put together a few tips to help reduce the likelihood of such an event for your loved one. 

Falls can cause fractures that may take weeks to heal. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that over 95% of hip fractures are due to falls, with some seniors never fully regaining their function afterward. Not surprisingly, a fall can also have a serious psychological impact. The fear of falling again can keep many older adults from socializing outside of their home, and can even make them anxious about simple things like bathing or walking down stairs.

Based on our years of providing elderly care services in Kansas City, we recommend the following measures to help reduce fall risk:

• Find out about your loved one's specific risk factors - Talk to your loved one's physician and other care professionals about any medical conditions or concerns that may increase your loved one's risk of falling. Examples include vision problems, taking several medications, and difficulty with walking or balance.
• Install safety features in their home based on their risk factors - Identify high-risk areas like bathrooms, staircases, and darker parts of the home and install features such as grab bars, sturdy railings, and night lights to counteract the risks.
• Look for easy, engaging ways to keep your loved one active - Staying active can help with strength, balance, and endurance, all of which can help reduce the risk of a fall. Help your loved one find activities based on their interests and mobility, whether it's swimming, walking, gardening, or yoga sessions.

How Our Elderly Care Services in Kansas City Can Help

At Visiting Angels Kansas City, we offer elderly care services to help more seniors in the local area remain comfortable at home. As well as assisting with errands, basic housekeeping, and activities of daily life including cooking, dressing, and bathing, we also have a fall prevention program that covers common risks and how to promptly address them.

To learn more about our elderly care services or arrange a free in-home consultation, contact Visiting Angels Kansas City. We offer elderly care in Kansas City, Shawnee, Mission, Leawood, Overland Park, Lenexa, and Prairie Village.