As we age, one of the most common—and debilitating—problems that seniors face is of frequent falls. These recurrent tumbles can cause serious medical issues and significantly impact the quality of life.
If you’re looking after an elderly relative who has frequently been falling, it can be challenging to know what steps to take next in order to minimise the risk. But with some proactive preparation and good care planning, you can help ensure your loved one feels safe moving around their home or assisted living facility without fear of another fall occurring.
In this blog post, we’ll go through some suggestions for preventing or helping falls so you can give elderly relatives the best possible support when they need it most.
Get a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying health conditions
It is essential to proactively seek a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying health conditions that may be causing falls. This is beneficial for your overall wellness and vital in ensuring your loved ones are aware of your health state.
Our friendly, professional medical practitioners can thoroughly examine your medical history, perform necessary tests and assess your symptoms to provide you with the most accurate diagnosis.
By addressing potential issues early on, you set yourself and your healthcare team on a path to take the best course of action. Ultimately, nothing is more important than your well-being – taking the initiative to get a medical evaluation will undoubtedly contribute to your long-term health and peace of mind.
Introduce physical therapy and exercises
Physical therapy is a fantastic approach to helping elderly individuals regain and maintain their optimal level of mobility and function after a fall. It often involves exercises specifically designed to improve balance and strengthen muscles.
These benefits athletes recovering from an injury or surgery and anyone experiencing mobility issues due to ageing, chronic pain, or neurological conditions.
By carefully assessing your unique needs and creating a tailored exercise program, our friendly, professional therapists can help you build stronger muscles, enhance your balance, and ultimately support a more active and independent lifestyle. So, whether you’re looking to get back in shape, improve your day-to-day functioning, or prevent future injuries, physical therapy may be the key to unlocking your full potential.
Install grab bars, handrails, and non-slip mats in the bathroom, stairways, and other areas prone to falls
It’s essential to prioritise our safety and well-being within our own homes, and a significant yet often overlooked aspect of this is fall prevention. One highly-effective way to enhance the security and accessibility of various spaces is by installing grab bars, handrails, and non-slip mats in areas prone to falls, such as bathrooms, stairways, and hallways.
Not only do these enhancements provide additional support and stability, but they also give us a sense of independence and confidence within our surroundings.
Equipping our homes with the proper safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and assist in maintaining an active lifestyle for people of all ages and abilities. By making these simple modifications, we can proactively contribute to creating a safer, more accessible environment for ourselves and our loved ones.
Make sure their living space is free of clutter and well-lit
A well-organised and well-lit living space can do wonders for your overall well-being and productivity. By keeping your surroundings free of clutter, you are allowing yourself to focus better on the task at hand while reducing distractions and preventing potential accidents.
A well-lit environment, on the other hand, not only creates a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere but also contributes to maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm, which is vital for regulating sleep patterns and overall physical and mental health.
So, make it a priority to invest some time and effort into organising your living space, ensuring it remains clutter-free and well-lit, resulting in a positive and efficient environment for you and your loved ones.
Provide a personal alarm for if they fall
Falls can be quite frightening and may occur unexpectedly, leaving you or your loved ones feeling vulnerable and in need of assistance. As a friendly and professional service, we understand the importance of ensuring safety and peace of mind for those at risk of experiencing falls. That’s why we provide personal alarms that can be used in case of a fall, allowing for immediate help and support.
These compact devices are easy to use and can be worn discreetly, offering a sense of security and reassurance in your daily life. Should a fall happen, you can quickly and effectively alert someone for help, making the recovery process smoother and less daunting. Remember, prioritizing safety is essential, and a personal alarm can be a valuable lifeline in times of need.
Discuss preventive measures
Taking preventive measures can make a huge difference in keeping yourself safe and healthy, especially when it comes to avoiding slips and falls. One essential precaution is to wear appropriate footwear that provides support and grip, ensuring that you can confidently navigate on a variety of surfaces. This means choosing shoes with non-slip soles, proper cushioning, and a secure fit to help avoid potential accidents.
In addition, it’s crucial to be mindful of the surfaces you’re walking on and make an effort to avoid those that are slippery or unstable. For instance, if you see a wet floor ahead, consider taking a different route or walking around the slippery area.
By making these simple yet effective changes, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury and maintain your well-being. As we age, the risk of falling increases. Fortunately, there are many steps that can be taken to help protect senior citizens from falls.
A medical evaluation is a great place to start—this should rule out any underlying health conditions and put you in touch with the right specialists who can provide physical therapy and exercises designed to improve balance and strength. Installing grab bars, handrails, and non-slip mats in high-risk areas is also a must.
In addition, encourage seniors to keep their living spaces free of clutter and well-lit. Lastly, ensure your elderly loved one has a personal alarm that they can access if they ever fall again. By following these tips, your loved one can live more safely while still enjoying independence and staying active.
Remember: A few preventative measures now can go a long way in helping our elderly family members avoid serious injury down the road. If you need further information, contact our team today.
