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Five Ideas to Help Seniors Avoid Falling

Home Care Assistance in Memorial TX: Helping seniors to avoid a fall is one of the best ways to keep them safe while they age in place.
Home Care Assistance in Memorial TX
Home Care Assistance in Memorial TX

The best way to help seniors stay safe at home as they age in place is to reduce their risk of falling as much as possible. There are lots of ways to do this, so a lot depends on noticing where the weaknesses are in any existing fall prevention plans. Home care assistance can be a huge help to families as they aim to keep seniors from falling at home.

Get Both Vision and Hearing Checked Regularly

A surprising number of falls can be related to seniors having trouble with their ears, eyes, or both. Ear issues can make it difficult for seniors to maintain their balance and avoid obstacles that could cause a fall. Blurry vision, double vision, and simply not being able to see obstacles means that seniors can take a nasty tumble. Getting hearing and vision checked regularly helps to reduce the likelihood that these might contribute to a fall.

Put Common Safety Steps Into Motion

Some safety solutions seem so obvious that they’re easy to forget. Installing grab bars throughout the house, especially in the bathroom, and making sure that carpet and other flooring are safe are two of the biggest. It also helps to install motion-sensing nightlights throughout the house so seniors can see what’s going on around them. Home care providers can help families notice other obvious safety changes that seniors need.

Use a Cane or Walker for Stability

As much as they might hate it, using a cane or a walker can be really helpful for aging adults. Each of these devices improves stability and gives seniors a tool to help them maintain their balance. Even if they only use their cane or walker at home, these tools can be incredibly helpful for keeping seniors safer and avoiding falls.

Stand Up Slowly Before Walking

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that seniors need to take their time, especially when they’re getting up from lying down or from a seated position. Taking a few extra seconds to adjust to each new position means that their bodies are less likely to get overwhelmed. This is even more important if seniors experience dizziness or vertigo often.

Talk with Medical Providers About Medications

Medications are so helpful, but they can also complicate life for aging adults. The side effects from some medications can make a fall more likely. Seniors should talk with their doctors about all of the medications they’re taking and mention any new or increasing side effects. Sometimes a combination of medications amplifies side effects like dizziness or lightheadedness, and that can contribute to a fall. Changing dosages or switching medications may help.

Avoiding a fall is always better than recovering from a fall. Seniors may not realize it, but a lot of what might cause a fall is preventable. Taking steps beforehand to improve safety and prevent a fall is worth the time and effort. Home care assistance can help families to stay on top of changing conditions at the senior’s home, continuing to ensure that they remain safe and avoid a fall.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Memorial, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.

At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.

Donna Wrabel, LMSW

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