Fall Prevention at Home for Seniors in Richmond, VA and Nearby Areas
A serious fall can significantly change an elderly person’s quality of life. In addition to causing a physical injury, falls can impact a person emotionally and socially. The fear of falling can cause older adults to decline social invitations and miss important family functions—they might avoid leaving the house altogether. Seclusion can lead to feelings of anxiety, loneliness and social isolation.
By examining risk factors and addressing hazards in the home, some falls can be prevented. Although, chronic health issues and risky behavior can also play a role. At Visiting Angels Richmond, our at-home senior care services have helped seniors in Richmond, Mechanicsville, Glen Allen, Short Pump and throughout Henrico and Hanover Counties avoid dangerous falls and stay safe since 2007.
Call 804-353-0000 to learn how Visiting Angels Richmond can help your loved one stay safe!
How Can Falls Impact Seniors in the Richmond Area?
Did you know:
- Every year, one in three older adults fall; one in five will sustain a serious injury such as a broken hip, fracture, concussion or other injury?
- 55 percent of falls occur inside the home; 23 percent happen outside, but near the home?
- Seniors who fall once are more likely to fall again?
- Over 800,000 seniors are hospitalized due to falls each year?
- Recovery from injuries such as hip fractures can take up to a year in a long-term care facility; 40 percent of those who fall are not able to go home again?
- 20 percent of older adults die within a year of a fall?
As you can see, seniors in the Richmond are susceptible to fall-related risks and the consequences that result from them. If you're concerned about your elderly loved one's safety, it's important to be proactive about finding the right support. Consider professional at-home senior care services from Visiting Angels Richmond to give you total peace of mind.
Risk Factors to Address
Falls are caused by one or more risk factors—conditions that increase a person’s chance of falling. Risk factors may be internal such as weakness, shuffling, loss of balance, reduced flexibility, poor eyesight, arthritis, multiple medications and dehydration. Cognitive issues such as dementia can also make seniors susceptible to falls.
Or, risk factors can be external, occurring in the home environment. For example, clutter, uneven floor surfaces, poor lighting, wet floors or the lack of grab bars in the bathroom can become hazards.
Identifying and addressing risk factors promptly can prevent many falls. Although, behaviors such as overuse of alcohol and standing on a chair to reach a high object can also increase the likelihood of falls; these risky behaviors can be addressed through gentle reminders and education. At Visiting Angels Richmond, our at-home senior care services can help prevent dangerous falls.
How Can At-Home Senior Care Services from Visiting Angels Help Richmond-Area Seniors Stay Safe?
Elderly fall prevention continues to be a challenge. Using a cane or walker may help. Our at-home senior care providers educate older adults and their families about fall prevention to maintain their health and well-being.
Some of the ways family members or our professional at-home senior caregivers can help seniors avoid falls include:
- Remove clutter with light housekeeping services
- Improve lighting
- Add lighting and handrails to stairways
- Install grab bars and keep floors dry in bathrooms
- Use assistive devices like canes and walkers
- Place a phone in an easy-access area
- Consider a personal medical alert system
- Keep frequently used items within reach
- Remind seniors to take medications on time and watch out for potential side effects that can impact their balance and mobility
- Help seniors safely get from room to room and use the stairs
- Helping seniors get in and out of the bathtub to avoid slipping on wet surfaces
- Preparing meals that help seniors get the nutrients they need and keep up their strength
Why have Richmond-area families counted on Visiting Angels for fall prevention since 2007? Unlike other local home care agencies, we believe in a personalized, one-on-one approach to at-home senior care services. That means every client receives a personalized care plan that includes the services they need while working with their schedule, preferences and everyday routine. With our fall prevention services, your loved one can get the support they need to remain safe when they truly need it.
At Visiting Angels Richmond, our free in-home consultations include a fall prevention assessment. Contact us today to learn more!
Serving communities in the Metro Richmond Area including Richmond, Mechanicsville, Glen Allen, Short Pump, Henrico & Hanover Counties
Visiting Angels RICHMOND, VA
4914 Radford Ave #211Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: 804-353-0000