In addition to causing a physical injury, falls can impact a person emotionally and socially. Bottom line, a fall can significantly change a person’s quality of life. Unfortunately, the fear of falling often causes seniors to avoid leaving the house, decline social invitations, and miss important family functions. This behavior can lead to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, social isolation, sadness and depression.
Falls are usually caused by one or more risk factors. A risk factor is something that increases a persons chances of falling. Risk factors may be linked to a physical condition, a medical problem, or the home environment. Arthritis, poor eyesight, taking multiple medications, dehydration, and lack of grab bars in the bath tub are a few examples of risk factors. By identifying and addressing risk factors promptly, many falls could be prevented.
With his caregiver Helen, Angell’s humor, his sense of fun, his innate frankness shone. She blessed his life.