Falls account for a large portion of the disabilities among
senior citizens. When an older adult falls, fragile bones are broken, and
sometimes the healing process takes longer than that of a younger person. Many
seniors who have low or poor vision or an imbalance condition are more
susceptible to falling at any time. For this reason, some older adults prefer
to lead a sedentary existence which is not recommended for seniors. Family
members and caregivers can assist their senior loved ones from experiencing
detrimental falls inside and outside of the home. Philadelphia Home Care suggests some prevention methods, which
if taken, some falls can be avoided.
Making the Inside of the Home Safe for Seniors
When your senior loved one moves around the home, they seldom
watch their step and could slip and fall without warning. Take the time to do a
safety check of the home. Make sure that there are no extension cords, or any
other debris, stretched across the floors. Secure the carpet or tile in places
where someone can easily trip and fall. Night lights should be used at night
for ease of getting around the home. Change the light bulbs if the senior has
difficulty seeing because they seem too dim. Encourage your senior loved one to
always use the rails when going up and down the stairs. A better solution for
this is to have the older adult's bedroom downstairs.
Check the Outside for Equal Safety
Some seniors may be reluctant to going outside because of the
possibility of falling. Handrails to the porch or steps are a great safety
feature for your older adult. Ensure that the walkway is level and free of
cracks and loose debris. Many falls on the outside of the home are due to
seniors trying to avoid an unsafe area once it is noticed. Uneven surfaces can
cause an older adult to lose their balance which can result in a fall.
The Use of Assistive Devices
Most seniors will feel more confident if they use one of the
available walking assistance devices. Encourage your senior loved one to use
their walker, cane or other devices to help them move around more safely and
securely. If your older adult has a balance situation, or joint and muscle
disorders, an assistant device is recommended for better mobility inside and
outside the home. Some seniors may do well at home with a little aid, but when
they go out they may do better if they used a wheelchair depending on their
walking ability.
Senior citizens are well aware of the probability of accidental
falls. They want to be careful, but functional. Saving your senior loved one
from potential falls does not mean watching their every move. It just takes
some safety planning and getting them implemented. Older adults will feel much
safer when they know that everything has been done to help prevent them from
having falls. Using assistive devices to help them get around can be the added
protection that they need.
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