Many seniors and their loved ones worry about falling and hurting themselves seriously, but falling doesn’t necessarily have to be an unpreventable part of growing older. It is possible to keep your loved one safe from falls by working with a senior fall risk management team to determine what his risk is of falling and then working with that senior fall risk management team to reduce those risks so that he can feel safe in his own home, or you can feel safe having him live with you.
Health Conditions that Increase the Risk of Falling
While there are steps you should take around the home to help reduce the risk of your loved one falling while walking around the home, there are also health conditions that may increase his risk of falling as well. Knowing these conditions increase his risk of falling will help you determine more precisely what type of safety measures should be taken in the home.
Vision Problems
It seems easy enough to understand that if your loved one cannot see well, his chances of tripping over something and falling increase. While there are health issues that reduce his sight, he may also simply need to have his eyeglass prescription updated to help him see better around the home.
In the meantime, proactively and consistently keep all floors free of any tripping hazards.
Muscle Weakness
If your loved one’s legs are weak, that can lead to a fall when or if the muscles give out and cannot support him anymore. It can happen within just a few short steps so always having an assistive device near your loved one to help him get from one place to another will help him have the support he needs.
Poor Balance/vertigo/dizziness/lightheadedness
For some, these conditions are a constant, making any trek across some terrain even more difficult. Having a cane, a walker, or even some solid furniture and walls to lean on for support can help your loved one stay upright.
When a sudden bout of any of these conditions comes from standing up too quickly, remind your loved one to stop and let the feeling pass until he is ready to safely move to where he wants to go.
Memory Loss or Cognitive Issues
Even the friendliest terrain can pose problems for those battling dementia, as they easily become confused. Stairs and uneven surfaces like lawns or beaches may be difficult to navigate.
Alcohol or Medication Use
Both can generate problems with balance and the ability to quickly react to a shift in balance if your loved one’s feet get tripped up. When combined, it can be especially dangerous. Alcohol should only be consumed in moderation, and if a medication causes dizziness, talk to his doctor about possible alternatives.
Senior Fall Risk Management Teams Can Help Reduce Falls
If you’re unsure where to begin to help your loved one stay safe in his living area, consider having a senior fall risk management team come to his home to evaluate and help you and him make some easy adjustments around the home that will reduce dangerous areas and bring awareness to how to best protect himself from falls.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Fall Risk Management in San Mateo, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care today at (415) 463-1400
Aviva In-Home Care provides exceptional senior home care in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Burlingame, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Lafayette, Orinda, and surrounding areas.
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