Why Fall Prevention for Seniors is Important
At Visiting Angels®, we're committed to helping seniors remain at home as they age, keeping them in the space where they feel safest, happiest, and most comfortable. That makes fall prevention an important part of our DNA. Injuries from falls are the number one reason why seniors lose their independence, making fall prevention an important part of aging in place.
Seniors are more likely to suffer falls than younger adults, with 1 in 3 seniors experiencing a serious fall every year. This is due to a number of risk factors that are more common among elderly adults, including:
- Decreased strength
- Poor coordination
- Limited mobility
- Reduced eyesight
- Hearing loss
- Stiff or painful joints
- Health complications
- Cognitive disorders
- Multiple medications
Seniors are more likely to suffer a serious injury when falls occur. In many cases, these injuries can have life-altering or life-threatening side effects.
Hip fractures are a particular danger. The recovery period for a hip fracture can take up to 12 months, may require transitional care, and comes with a significant risk of life-threatening complications. The vast majority of seniors never fully recover from a hip fracture, and many older adults lose their independence as a result.
The good news is that the vast majority of falls can be prevented.
How to Prevent Falls at Home for Seniors
More than 75% of dangerous falls occur in or around the home. This means that most falls can be prevented by taking precautions at home.
We can help you identify risk factors in your loved one's home and take steps to reduce the risks of suffering a fall.
This guide includes key information about:
- Physical, social, and emotional health impacts of falls by the elderly
- Environmental risk factors that increase the likelihood of falls at home
- Precautions you can take to eliminate fall risks from the home
- Design changes that can reduce seniors' risk of an at-home fall
- Lifestyle changes that can further reduce fall risks for seniors
We can provide you a list of easy home modifications you can make to reduce your loved one's risk of falling at home based on a 59-point home safety checklist.
Get Started with Visiting Angels
Our commitment to fall prevention extends to our home care services. Our referred caregivers can reduce your loved one's risk of falls in a number of ways, depending on the type of home care you choose for your loved one.
Companion care can help your loved one maintain a safe and tidy home, and lend a helping hand with day-to-day tasks that may increase the risk of falls. If your loved one's physical health puts them at high risk for falls, personal care services can help with activities such as dressing, bathing, and mobility.
Ready to get started with fall prevention?
Call Visiting Angels Lutz today.