Falling is one of the biggest health issues for seniors because of the long-term effects that they can experience. All too often, seniors experience significant injuries or complications from a fall. Understanding fall risks is important, but it’s equally vital for family caregivers to know what to watch for after a fall to help prevent another one. Elder care services can offer a wide range of help for families after a senior experiences a fall.
Risk Factors for Falling
Aging often causes reduced coordination, weakened muscles, and vision problems. All of these issues contribute to a higher risk of falling. Seniors with chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis can also affect balance and mobility, making a fall more likely. Medication that helps to manage health issues can also have side effects like dizziness or drowsiness that increase the risk of a fall. Seniors may have one or a combination of these risk factors, so it’s important to talk to their doctors to determine what their individual risk factors are.
Symptoms to Watch for After a Fall
If a senior does experience a fall, family caregivers need to watch for any signs that the senior is injured or is experiencing other complications from the fall. Some injuries aren’t immediately obvious. Changes in behavior or confusion could indicate that seniors have a concussion or other head injury. Swelling or pain, especially in the hips, back, or arms, can indicate a sprain or even a fracture. Sometimes after a fall, seniors are unsteady or dizzy. Issues that continue for longer than a few minutes might indicate a bigger problem. If seniors have trouble walking or standing, that could be a sign of serious injury.
Home Care Helps with Fall Prevention Plans
Elder care providers understand what seniors need in order to be safe at home. They can help seniors to take a closer look at their homes and their habits so that they can put together a fall prevention plan. Having a plan is the first step in reducing the risk of another fall. This could involve making home modifications or encouraging seniors to make changes to their habits and routines.
Caregivers Can Help with Mobility
After a fall, seniors may have more trouble getting around, especially if they’re sore or injured. Elder care providers can offer mobility assistance, ensuring that seniors are getting around the house safely without further injury. Having additional support right away reduces the likelihood that seniors fall again.
Physical Therapy May Be Necessary
Some seniors may need additional help recovering after a fall. Physical therapy is just one solution that doctors might recommend. Therapists work with seniors to help them build strength and improve balance, both of which are essential for avoiding another fall.
Monitor for Complications Afterward
Home care providers also know what to watch for after a senior experiences a fall. They can stay alert for signs that might indicate that aging adults aren’t doing as well as expected or might be experiencing complications. They can help seniors get help quickly if there is still something wrong.
Building Confidence After a Fall
Seniors need to regain their confidence after they fall. Fear of falling again can cause seniors to avoid being as active as they should be, which is not a good solution. Regaining confidence helps seniors to stay mobile and to stay independent.
Any time that a senior falls, it’s frightening for everyone involved. Elder care services can do a lot to help seniors not only recover from a fall, but reduce the risk of falling again.
If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Brooklyn Park, MN and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
