Falls are a massive reason many seniors become injured. Some of those injuries can even cause significant health challenges and reduced independence in the future. Basic precautions are always helpful. Removing clutter and installing handrails in key areas can do a lot to reduce falls for seniors. But sometimes seniors need a little more help and home care assistance can help families take some of these bigger steps to prevent falls.
Why Is Fall Prevention Important?
Just one fall can dramatically impact a senior’s health, confidence, and overall well-being. That one fall also doubles the risk that a senior will fall again. Preventing a fall can also prevent fractures, bruises, and head trauma. Keeping seniors from experiencing a fall can helps them stay active and avoid isolating themselves. Being afraid of falling is sometimes just as bad as an actual fall for aging adults because they change their habits and may lose mobility as a result.
Beyond the Basics with Safety Assessments
One of the first ways for seniors to go beyond the basics of fall prevention is to do a comprehensive safety assessment. Home care providers can help seniors and family caregivers to do these. They can point out situations like slippery flooring, furniture that restricts movement, and lighting issues. Some of these problems could be ones that don’t seem like a problem to seniors or even to family caregivers, especially if the house has always been that way. Knowing what hazards really are is important.
Focusing on Strength and Balance
Focusing on exercise routines can be a great way for seniors to avoid a fall. Working with physical therapists and healthcare providers can help seniors understand where they need the most help. Activities that build strength and improve flexibility and balance like yoga or strength training are good options. Seniors need to stick with their doctor’s recommendations and build up physical activity gradually.
Adopting Technology for Safety
Technology for fall prevention has come a long way. Smart appliances and voice-activated assistance can help seniors call for help, but they can also help seniors to stay on target with goals that support their intentions around preventing falls. Reminders and tools like automated lighting can help seniors solve problems before they arise. Wearables and monitoring systems can detect falls and even near falls, ensuring seniors get help quickly.
Customizing Mobility Aids
For seniors who need mobility aids, just using whatever cane or walker they pick up isn’t the answer. These tools are customizable for a reason, and failing to do so can render them worse than not using the tools at all. Home care assistance can help seniors to fit the mobility aids properly and remember to use them, too.
Being as proactive as possible is one of the best ways to keep seniors on target with any fall prevention plan. Home care assistance understands what seniors need in order to be safe at home and can help seniors and family caregivers to put plans in place that do the most good. All of this keeps seniors both safe and independent, while also offering peace of mind to family members.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Edina, MN and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
