Seniors and Falling
Seniors and Falling: How to Prevent Senior Falls and Fractures The National Council on Aging estimates that 25 percent of Americans 65 and older fall every year. The council says that falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans. That might not be surprising to adult children of aging seniors, as senior falls tend to be one of the biggest worries and causes for keeping them up at night. Here are a few ways that you can feel better about keeping your loved one safer from falls while they are out of your sight and receiving elderly care at home. Furniture & Layout: It might seem simple, but one of the quickest and easiest ways to eliminate accidental senior falls in the home is to be vigilant and watching for tripping hazards in and around your senior’s household. Make sure items like pet’s toys, shoes, and household items are kept picked up and don’t rearrange the furniture. Be sure that any doors leading to staircases are kept shut and/or locked, and if you must have area rugs, make sure they are kept secured into place with a non-slip backing. Footwear: When you are thinking of elderly care, shoes aren’t often the first thing to come to mind, but proper fitting and rubber-soled shoes can play an important part in preventing senior falls at home and on the go. If you aren’t sure what shoes are best, talk to your senior’s doctor and let them know your concerns. They may have some tips on proper footwear with regards to both orthopedic and safety reasons. Mobility Aids: Many seniors use assistance to help get them from place to place, like walkers and canes. Be sure they know how to properly use these helpful items and that they are in good working condition; without any loose parts or wear and tear that could cause a breakdown which could lead to senior falls or fractures. Keep these items stored where your parent can reach them easily but that they are not going to cause a tripping incident. Vision: When was the last time your loved one receiving elderly care had their eyes checked? They may not think that they have an issue, but regular eye exams are important for everyone, especially as we age. Getting fitted for proper eyeglasses, if needed, can be a good first step in preventing senior falls from lack of good vision. Be Proactive: When you or your loved one’s caregivers are taking them outside of their home, think ahead about the types of obstacles and terrain they may experience depending on where you are going. Places with unpaved walkways, brick or stone paths, and slick or wet surfaces may not be the best destinations for seniors who have issues with balance or mobility. As always, share your concerns with your loved one’s caregivers. They are experienced with seniors and are a great resource on additional ways that you can work together to keep your parent safe. If you or a loved one are looking for experienced Elderly Care in Manassas, VA, contact SenCura at703-880-2547. We provide in-home senior care in Northern Virginia. Source: https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2018/baltimore-tackles-elderly-falls-rate.html Professional Memberships We are members of the following organizations.
What Are the Types of Care Seniors Can Get at Home?
Home care is designed to keep your parents safe and independent. With elderly care services, your parents have help with things they need and are left to do things they excel at. Anyone in need of help or companionship can have home care. Your parents don’t have to be seriously ill or disabled before they’ll find different types of senior care useful. If household chores like dusting, mopping, dishes, and vacuuming are a challenge, caregivers can help. They’ll do the laundry and anything else on the list that has become too difficult for your parent. Changing sheets and towels, making beds, and wiping down counters are all housekeeping chores. Personal Care/Grooming Are there areas of personal care or grooming that challenge your mom or dad? If arthritis makes it hard to floss the teeth, this type of senior care can help. If your parents are fine with showering and most grooming chores but have a hard time reaching the toenails to clip, caregivers also help with foot care. Companionship Companionship services are fit their name. It’s a basic, yet very important, service where a caregiver comes as often as needed to provide friendship. Your parents can join the caregiver for games, hobbies, or crafts. They can go on walks together, go shopping together, or explore a local park together. With companionship types of senior care, the loneliness and isolation your parents may fee are lessened. They have a friend who stops by every week, a few times a week, or daily if that’s needed. Medication Reminders If your mom or dad often forget to take medications, medication reminders are ideal. The caregiver reminds your parent when it’s time to take a dose of medication. Once it’s taken, there’s someone on hand to watch for troubling side effects and make sure that your parent follows directions some medications have about not driving or staying out of the sun. Transportation When your parent can no longer drive, transportation services are helpful. A caregiver drives your parents to the store, a friend’s house, a medical office, the library, or any other local business or building. Elderly care is customized to meet your parents’ needs. You talk to a specialist and arrange to have caregivers provide the types of senior care your parents need to retain their independence. Call an elderly care agency to get started. If you or a loved one are looking for experienced Elderly Care in Gainesville, VA, contact SenCura at 703-880-2547. We provide in-home senior care in Northern Virginia. Professional Memberships We are members of the following organizations.