Many things can happen that cause older women to fall. It can be a side effect of a medication. It can be a slip on ice or snow. Tripping over a pet in a dark room or hallway or on loose flooring is another common cause of a fall. What’s most important is how you prepare your mom’s home for her return.
Following the fall, you need to make a few changes in her home. Statistically, someone who has fallen is more likely to fall a second time within the next year. If you make these changes, you may be able to lower that risk.
Talk to Her Doctor About Prescription Medications
If the fall was linked to the medications she takes, talk to her doctor. See if there is an alternative without dizziness or nausea. If it’s possible to switch her medications to one with fewer side effects, that will help.
It’s not always possible to switch medications. In that case, you could ask about switching the time the medications are taken. If your mom could take them at night before bed, she’ll sleep through much of the lightheadedness.
Prepare the Bathroom
The bathroom is one room that needs the most attention. Install grab bars near her toilet, bath, and shower. Realtors often say that they can impact the value by being distractions. If you’re worried about them reducing the value of her home, there are grab bars that double as towel racks, so it’s not an issue.
A shower seat gives your mom somewhere safe to sit while she washes her body or shaves her legs. Make sure it has rubberized feet, suction cups are ideal, to prevent slipping. If she needs shower mats inside and outside of the shower area, look for rugs with non-slip backing.
Brighten Lighting in Hallways and Stairs
Install brighter lighting on stairs, in entryways, and in hallways. Brighter LED bulbs may be all that’s needed. If you need to install new light fixtures, look for energy-efficient LED fixtures. Nightlights placed near the floor can help at night.
If you have floor-level nightlights, they’ll illuminate the floor with a tap of the toe or with motion. It keeps the light focused on the flooring. This can help keep your mom’s eyes from having to adjust to a full hallway or room of bright light when she still plans to go back to bed.
Hire Elder Care Aides for Her Recovery at Home
Talk to an elder care specialist about the services that a caregiver can provide while your mom heals. She’ll have an easier time with her recovery if she has someone helping her arrange appointments, run errands, cook meals, and keep her house clean and organized. Elder care is available as often as she needs it. Call now.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering elder care in Centennial, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare today. Call us at (303) 756-9322.
