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How to Prevent Falls in the Home - Senior Care

A serious fall is something that nobody wants to experience, but if you are over the age of 65, it is something that you must actively guard against. In our youth, it’s easy to recover from a careless accident, but for older people, like those involved in Seminole senior care services, this could set off a cascade of health issues or even death. In the same way that we wear sunscreen to prevent skin cancer, we should always be looking for preventative practices to help our loved ones avoid a life-altering fall. 

We at No Place Like HomeCare want to provide the following list of effective solutions for avoiding falls in and outside the home, especially for Seminole senior home care participants.

Stay physically active

Just because you are not as springy and young as you once were, does not mean that you have to avoid any and all activity. In fact, exercise is the key to a healthy and long life and has been proven to reduce fall rates in community-dwelling older people by up to 39%.

A low-impact workout is one of the best ways for older people to stay active and reap the benefits without risking too much injury. Some examples of low-impact workouts include tai chi, yoga, swimming, or simple walks around the neighborhood. Swimming in particular is a great option for seniors with joint issues, as it can strengthen their body without straining joints.

Check the side effects of your medicine

Many older people are taking prescription medicine or over-the-counter pills to help with pains and diagnoses, but it is important to be aware of all the side effects of these. 

When you have been prescribed medication, make sure to ask your doctor for all known side effects. While taking that medication, be sure to monitor for balance issues, dizziness, or blurred vision. Also, when begin taking a new medication, update your doctor, so they can let you know how it may interact with your previous medications. 

All these factors could contribute to a fall, or even worse, so it is absolutely essential that you communicate with your doctor and create a medical plan that keeps you safest.



Have your eyes and hearing tested

It makes sense that blurred or double vision could have an adverse effect on balance, but some people may not know that hearing loss can have a similar impact. These systems work together to help us stay standing upright, and failings in either muscle group can lead to frequent falls or even a balance disorder.

Because approximately 1 in 3 elderly persons has some form of vision-reducing eye disease by the age of 65, and 1 in 3 people between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss, you must test yourself. As you get older, the probability of hearing and vision loss will only increase, as will your chances of a fall. This is why you should catch it early and find a solution. 

Some treatment options might include:

  • Assistive listening devices

  • Mobile apps

  • Cochlear implants

  • Glasses

  • Bifocal spectacles

  • Medication

Wear the right shoes

If you have issues with balance, dizziness, or have suffered from a fall before, it is probably a good idea to put away your high heels or no-traction shoes. These are some of the worst things that you can wear when you want to prevent falls. Avoid wearing slippers or socks on smooth surfaces, as they will make you highly prone to slipping.

Look for shoes that provide comfort and support above all else, as well shoes that have a good grip. This can save your life if you have to walk on wet surfaces, smooth floors, or stairs/inclines.

Conclusion

As an older adult or as a caretaker, you must be on a constant lookout for falls. This means more than observation and reactive methods, but instead taking a proactive stance. It can sometimes be easy to forget, especially if you are a young caretaker, and that is why it is essential to be knowledgeable and experienced in this field.

If you are interested in talking to someone with that experience to learn more or take advantage of professional in-home Seminole senior care services, Contact No Place Like HomeCare. We are a leading provider of Seminole senior home care, and also provide services in the wider Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough County areas to give you and your loved ones a personal assistance program.


 

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