Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans, according to the National Council on Aging. One in four older adults falls each year. In order to help your senior parent reduce their risk for falls and other injuries that may occur at home, ensure that they:
Visit their primary care physician. Seniors should see their doctor at least once a year for an annual physical exam and discuss injury and fall risk. “Certain health issues can increase the risk of falling, such as leg weakness, mobility problems, and balance issues,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Doctors or pharmacists can also review all the medicines an older adult takes, including over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements.”
Improve their strength and balance. Low-impact exercises for older adults include:
- Brisk walking, jogging, dancing, swimming, and biking, which can increase your senior parent’s breathing and heart rate.
- Strength and balance exercises, which can help strengthen your senior parent’s muscles.
- Flexibility exercises and stretching, which can help your aging parent’s body stay limber.
Check for safety to avoid home hazards. Simple measures such as removing clutter from walkways, removing throw rugs, and ensuring there is plenty of light can all reduce the risk of falling.
The average hospital cost for a fall-related injury is over $30,000, according to the National Council on Aging. Falls, with or without injury, carry a heavy burden on quality of life. After a fall, many older adults develop a fear of falling and, as a result, limit their activities and social engagements. If your senior parent struggles with balance, reduced muscle strength, poor vision, or medication side effects, they may be at risk for enduring a fall. Help your senior parent avoid falling and build confidence in their mobility by following these tips:
- Encourage your aging parent to use a cane or walker
- Prevent slips by purchasing your senior parent rubber-soled shoes and non-skid socks
- Encourage your senior parent to walk on grass when sidewalks are slick
- Place salt or cat litter on icy sidewalks
- Keep rooms free of clutter, especially on floors
- Use plastic or carpet runners on slippery floors and walkways (make sure plastic and carpets have skid-proof backs or are tacked to the floor)
- Ensure that the home is well-lit with ample lighting
- Put grab bars on bathroom walls near the tub, shower, and toilet
- Use a non-skid bath mat in the shower or tub
- Place a flashlight next to your senior parent’s bed
If you’re unable to regularly check in on your aging parent, and you fear that your senior parent is at-risk for a fall injury in their own home, call SYNERGY Homecare Corona, Riverside, or Anaheim Hills. Our in-home caregivers can help reduce your senior parent’s fall risk by ensuring that your aging parent lives in a safe home environment. SYNERGY Homecare of Corona, Riverside, and Anaheim Hills in-home caregivers can assist your senior parent with cleaning, organizing, and de-cluttering their home. SYNERGY’s in-home caregivers can also help your senior parent stay independent and reduce the risk of falling by encouraging light exercise, helping them connect with their doctor to review their medications, and assisting them with the coordination of installing shower and bathtub grab bars and railings. SYNERGY HomeCare’s in-home caregivers provide a wide range of home care services, including:
- Adapting your parent’s home environment to enhance safety and independence
- Providing transportation for medical, community, and social appointments
- Providing reminders for medication
- Providing enhanced social activities appropriate to the needs of your parent
- Offering meal planning and preparation to ensure good nutritional support
- Providing personal care services including grooming, personal hygiene, and dressing
- Helping with household tasks
About SYNERGY HomeCare of Anaheim Hills
SYNERGY HomeCare of Anaheim Hills is the name you can trust in Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda, Tustin, Santa Ana, Orange and Placentia for personal home care. SYNERGY HomeCare of Anaheim Hills is part of a national franchise of non-medical home care offices dedicated to providing exceptional and affordable service to anyone of any age. SYNERGY HomeCare caregivers are available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, to those in need – including seniors, expectant moms, those suffering from sports injuries and debilitating illnesses, and more. SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona & Riverside can be found online at http://www.synergyhomecare.com/agencies/ca/anaheim-hills/ca25 . The location also hosts active social media pages on Facebook and Twitter. Ken and Anna can be reached at 714- 706-1613 and [email protected] .
