Falling is one of the leading causes of serious injury for older people. All too often, these falls, even minor ones, can result in a trip to the hospital, lifelong pain or injury, and loss of independence too soon. Having a fall prevention plan in place can help families reduce some of the controllable risk factors that could lead to a fall.
24-hour home care providers can help aging adults implement these plans, ensuring they stay safer at home and have the support they need with daily activities.
Why Is Fall Prevention Important?
Seniors who fall one time can be twice as likely to fall again, sometimes even multiple times. Although seniors might worry that having so much attention on what’s happening in their daily lives affects their independence, the reality is that a plan for preventing falls addresses concerns that might lead to serious injury.
Seniors who have and who implement fall prevention plans are more likely to maintain their independence for a much longer period of time.
Fall Risk Factors
Every senior’s life and health are different, of course, but there are some familiar risk factors for falls from one person to another. When seniors are exhausted or over-extended, they’re more likely to experience a fall, for instance. Some medications may have side effects that could make a fall more likely, like dizziness or drowsiness. Health issues, balance issues, the wrong shoes, and issues in their environment can all play a role as well.
With the help of 24-hour home care providers, some of these correctable issues don’t have to be part of the problem.
Creating a Safer Environment
24-hour home care providers are there with seniors during the day and overnight, making it easier for them to pay close attention to some of those environmental factors. They can help seniors reduce clutter and have clear pathways to walk through, offer a hand for steady balance, and clean up spills or other issues as well.
Encouraging Seniors to Think About Fall Prevention
Sometimes seniors don’t want to think about the changes that life is bringing their way, including an increased risk of falling. Helping seniors to think more about preventing falls through everyday habits and routines can be a huge help.
Starting with wearing the right footwear every day, staying active to improve their balance, and eating well while properly hydrating, don’t just prevent falls. These activities also help seniors to feel better, too.
Create a Balance
Ultimately, seniors need to remember to create a balance in their daily lives. They can still do a lot of the same things they used to do, but they might need to think them through more clearly beforehand.
Gathering materials for activities in advance allows them to engage in activities they love while seated, for instance. Going for walks more regularly helps them to maintain mobility. And through it all, 24-hour home care providers can offer support.
Warning Signs of Increasing Fall Risks
24-hour home care providers also help to watch for signs that fall risks might be increasing for aging adults. Signs like hesitation when walking or while standing up from a seated position can indicate that seniors are struggling for balance, for example. If seniors are holding onto walls or furniture as they walk, they may feel the need for more support.
24-hour home care providers can watch for these signs and help family caregivers stay aware of what’s happening.
Fall prevention is an important part of the plan to age in place, and seniors need all the help they can get. 24-hour home care providers can offer the support they need, while also offering families peace of mind that seniors are in good hands.
If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-Hour Home Care in Carlsbad, CA, please contact the caring staff at A Caring Touch Home Care today. Call (619) 344-0528
A Caring Touch Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency providing exceptional home care in Coronado, Del Mar/Del Mar Heights, Bonita, East Lake, La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Mt. Helix/La Mesa, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Carmel Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Point Loma, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego and surrounding areas.
