I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.
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Dementia and Your Loved One
3 Ways To Prevent Seniors From Falling At Home
Vickie Armstrong
Many adults worry about the safety of their elderly parents living alone, even if they receive part-time assistance from a home healthcare aid. The risk of falling is a major concern for seniors living alone because it can happen so quickly. However, you can help your parent minimize the risks of falling at home by following these three important safety guidelines.
1. Improve the Safety of Your Parent's Home
Millions of seniors fall every year, resulting in hip fractures, head traumas and other serious injuries. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that falls are the leading cause of injury and death among senior citizens. To prevent accidental falls in your senior parent's home, you must take steps to ensure its safety, such as:
- Remove tripping hazards: Remove small scatter rugs and make sure all the foot traffic areas throughout your home are free of clutter and other obstacles (e.g. shoes, books, furniture, etc.).
- Keep belongings within reach: Ensure all household and grocery items are stored on shelves that are easy to reach without a step stool.
- Keep walkways well-lit: All walkways and stairways (both indoors and out) should have adequate lighting, especially at night.
- Install bathroom supports: To prevent accidents in the bathroom, install bars or handles next to the toilet and in the shower.
2. Have Your Parent's Eyes Examined
Limited vision can increase a senior's chances of falling, so regular eye exams are a must. With annual exams, you can always be sure your elderly parent is wearing the right eyeglasses. Plus, yearly exams help ensure an early diagnosis for conditions like cataracts and glaucoma.
The eye doctor can get your parent on a regular exam schedule, as its frequency will depend on the condition of your parent's eyes and any other present medical issues.
3. Improve Your Parent's Strength and Balance
Exercise should be a regular part of your parent's routine because it can improve balance and reduce the risk of falling. Walking, swimming, stretching and strength exercises are all excellent activities that can help increase mobility. In addition, encourage your adult parent to wear shoes or slippers with non-slip soles when walking through the home to prevent a slip or fall.
Many types of falls in the home can be avoided using these simple guidelines. When implementing these tips, make sure everyone is on board, including visiting family members and home healthcare services like ComForcare Home Care - Woburn, MA. This way, you can preserve the dignity and independence of your senior parent.
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