Prevent Falls With Elder Care in Springfield Missouri
Today, the leading cause of injuries in American seniors is falling. A fall can be a disturbing experience, as it can cause emotional issues on top of medical issues. According to the National Institute on Aging, the fear of further falls can cause seniors to become less active and more isolated, which can lead to other issues like depression.
Although more than one in four seniors will fall each year, many of these falls can be avoided. According to professional elder care providers, the four major contributing factors to falls are muscle atrophy, dehydration and nutrition, medications, and clutter.
Although Visiting Angels is not a home health care agency, we do provide services for elder care in Springfield Missouri that can help minimize the risk of your loved one falling.
Muscle Atrophy
As someone gets older, their muscles get weaker. Keeping active through gentle exercise programs can help with this. It also helps keep joints and tendons flexible, helping them with everyday activities. Even exercises like walking can help your loved one stay in good shape as they age.
Dehydration and Nutrition
Retaining water isn’t as easy for the body to do when someone ages. This can lead to low blood pressure, dizziness, confusion, and loss of balance. Staying hydrated can help prevent these symptoms and a fall.
Malnutrition can cause light-headedness, slower healing after injuries, or muscle weakness, which can all contribute to an increased chance of falling. Visiting Angels in Springfield Missouri doesn’t provide medical care like home health agencies, but they can help with cooking and companionship during meal time to prevent issues with dehydration and poor nutrition.
Medications
Side effects to medications, including over the counter medications, can include dizziness or loss of balance, which can lead to a higher risk of falls. Taking multiple medications can cause a higher risk and can make it more difficult to determine which medication caused the issues.
Our senior care providers can help you keep track of what your loved one takes and make sure they’re taking it at the appropriate time. They’re also there in case your loved one needs extra help after taking the medication.
Clutter Around the Home
More than half of falls for seniors happens inside their home. Floors should be kept clean and tidy. Rugs should be correctly attached or removed if they could cause a fall. Everything should also be dry and in good shape to minimize the risk of falls.
While Visiting Angels
Knowing what can cause seniors to fall can help you mitigate any potential risks in and around their home. This can help minimize the chance your loved one will fall. Take some time to fall-proof their home and prevent these problems by contacting our professional senior care providers for extra help. To get more information, contact Visiting Angels to learn about how we can help keep your loved one safe in their own home.