Keeping Seniors Safe: 4 Tips for Reducing the Risk of Falling
Here are 4 ways to reduce the risk of falls.
As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to injury from falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults over 65 falls each year, with many of these falls causing serious injuries that can lead to hospitalization or even death. To help seniors stay safe and healthy, here are four tips for reducing their risk of falling.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is essential for keeping your senior loved one healthy and active. Exercise helps strengthen muscles, improve balance, and increase flexibility—all of which can help reduce the risk of falls. It’s essential to find an appropriate exercise program that fits your loved one's lifestyle; this could be anything from walking around the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes to taking part in a local yoga class. If your senior loved one needs help remaining active, working with a reputable in-home care agency in Osseo, such as Comfort Keepers, is a great way to maintain an active lifestyle. Our in-home senior caregivers can help your senior loved one remain engaged and involved in the activities that they love.
You can learn more about what other families in Osseo, MN are saying about Comfort Keepers here.
Talk to Their Doctor
If you’re concerned about your senior loved one falling, talk to their doctor about their health and any medical conditions that could increase their risk. You should use this time to ask about any medications they take as some drugs can cause side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness that can increase the risk of falling. Your loved ones doctor may recommend that they get some additional help around the home. Comfort Keepers can provide your loved one quality care in the comfort of their own home and assist them with trips to and from doctor's appointments. Our caregivers can also provide personal care, including medication reminders. Finally, working with an in-home caregiver can give you and your loved one some relief, knowing that someone is available to help in the event of a fall.
Check Your Loved Ones Home for Safety Hazards
Take a look around your senior loved one's home and make sure there aren’t any safety hazards that might increase their risk of falling. This includes checking for loose rugs or slippery surfaces; making sure stairways are well-lit; adding grab bars in bathrooms; and installing motion-sensing lights in dark hallways or stairwells.
Here are some great tips on how to check a senior's home for safety hazards from Health.com.
At Comfort Keepers, we take fall risks very seriously and help seniors maintain their homes as a method to reduce the risk of falls. Having an in-home companion can help.
Proper Footwear
Making sure that the senior in your life has proper footwear is an easy way to reduce their risk of falling. Shoes with rubber soles and a good grip will help prevent slips and trips while walking on wet or slippery surfaces. Also, talk to your loved one about their shoelaces and find out if they are coming untied during the day. Sometimes, switching over to shoes with velcro is necessary as laces can quickly become a hazard.
Choosing safe footwear for fall prevention (Guide)
Falls are common among seniors, but they don’t have to be inevitable. By following these four simple tips—regular exercise, talking with a doctor about fall prevention strategies, removing safety hazards from the home environment, and wearing proper footwear at all times, you can reduce your loved one's risk of falling significantly and help them maintain an independent lifestyle, as long as possible.
Comfort Keepers Can Help
Partnering with an in-home care agency can help reduce the risk of falls. We work with many seniors, and their families, and provide services to combat isolation and help seniors remain independent in their homes. Reducing the risk of falls is an important component of our care in Osseo and the surrounding area. Give us a call to learn more, we would love to help.
