Fall Prevention Strategies And Tips For Aging Seniors In Gilford, NH
Every year, in one four seniors fall. These falls can lead to detrimental injuries that can affect a senior’s quality of life drastically. Fall prevention is very important in the life of a senior and can prevent a life-changing fall from occurring. We’ll learn how the care of Visiting Angels of Gilford can help.
What Causes a Fall?
There are many different factors that go into causing a senior’s fall risk to go up and down. Both physical factors, as well as environmental factors, play a part in determining a person’s fall risk. Physical conditions such as vision problems, physical weakness, medical condition, and balance disorders all play a role in determining a person’s fall risk. As for environmental factors, lack of stair railings, clutter, and poor lighting can cause a person’s fall risk to go up. The more risk factors a person faces, the better chance that they’re going to fall and risk getting seriously injured.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling. A hip fracture can cause many different problems in a senior’s life. Half will never recover to their prior level of mobility. For some, a hip fracture may lead to dire consequences. 20% to 30% of seniors who have a hip fracture will die or experience loss in body functionality.
Emotional Impact of Falls
Falling can cause a significant emotional blow to a senior. They may choose to withdrawal from social events to prevent themselves from falling again. This leads to a senior becoming depressed, lonely, and gaining more anxiety. These factors can increase their fall risk once more. Seniors may also incorporate bad behaviors like holding onto walls to maintain their balance or looking down at the floor to prevent tripping. Contrary to popular belief, these habits can contribute negatively to a person’s fall risk.
3 Fall Prevention Steps
To diminish the chance of your loved one falling and sustaining an injury, here are three tips from Visiting Angels of Gilford to incorporate into your everyday life.
- Ask Your Doctor
Your doctor can give you valuable information on things that you can do in order to diminish fall risk. Also, they can connect you to any further hearing or podiatry examinations that your loved one may need to do.
2. Incorporate Physical Activity
Exercises like walking, gardening, and swimming can help seniors improve their balance, flexibility, and strength. They also can become mood boosters and increase their socialization.
3. Modify Your Home
Evaluating your home can help you find eliminate dangers and modify your home accordingly. Some modifications you may incorporate are:
- Night lights in dark rooms
- Reflective tape strips to edge of the staircase
- Railings on stairways
- Grab bars to sides of tub/shower and next to the toilet
At Visiting Angels of Gilford, we’ve developed a fall prevention program that can teach you and your loved one about how to prevent falls. With our senior care, we can evaluate your loved one’s health and wellness needs, and develop a fall prevention program that’s personalized for their lifestyle. Call us today to learn more.