Has your parent told you they’ve fallen? Even if they haven’t told you about a fall, it doesn’t necessarily mean they haven’t fallen. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of people aged 65 and older fall every year, but fewer than 50 percent report falls to their doctor. They also say that once a senior falls, their chances of falling again are doubled. Sadly, one fifth of falls results in a serious injury, like a broken bone. If you’re concerned about your elderly parent falling, hiring senior care can be the key to preventing a dangerous fall or debilitating injury. Below are 4 things senior care can do to keep your parent from falling.
#1: Drive Them to An Eye Appointment
Poor vision can lead to a fall when an older adult doesn’t see an object in their path or an uneven surface. If your parent hasn’t had an eye exam in a while, a senior care provider can assist them to schedule an appointment. Since many older adults no longer drive, getting to appointments can be difficult. A senior care provider can drive them to the appointment and take them to pick up their new glasses when they are ready.
#2: Encourage Exercise
Staying physically active helps to keep muscles and joints strong. Even if your parent hasn’t exercised in a while, it’s not too late to start. After getting the doctor’s okay, they can start slowly by taking short walks and building up to longer ones. Senior care providers can go for walks with your parent, holding their arm to keep them steady. If they would prefer a structured exercise class, a senior care provider can drive them to the class.
#3: Clean Up the House
A cluttered house is a fall hazard because your parent might trip over things or bump into a piece of furniture that’s jutting into a walkway. Senior care can help to keep the house clean and clutter free. They can put away items left lying around, like a pair of shoes or a stack of old newspapers. Senior care providers can also alert family caregivers to areas of the home that need repair, like a wobbly step or an uneven floor surface.
#4: Change Lightbulbs
Your parent may not be able to change lightbulbs in ceiling fixtures because of mobility or balance problems. Dim areas of the house can result in a fall when your parent doesn’t see something in their way. A senior care provider can change lightbulbs for them, eliminating the need to climb on a step ladder or chair and keeping the house brightly lit.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/fall-prevention/art-20047358
https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/preventing-falls-tips-for-older-adults-and-caregivers/6-steps-to-protect-your-older-loved-one-from-a-fall/
https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING SENIOR CARE IN WILSON, NC, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS TODAY. CALL (919) 761-5346.