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Health & Fitness

Fall Prevention- Safety Tips for Seniors

Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in ages 65 and older? At any time or place, you or your aging loved one is at risk of falling, but there are precautions that we can take to reduce this risk. Some of the measures that can be taken involve reviewing medications, monitoring doctor visits, as well as hazard-proofing the senior’s home. So, if you’re caring for an elder loved one at home or want to ensure your loved is safe in their own home, what can you do to minimize their risk of injury? Let’s take a look…

Fall Prevention at Home

·         Keep a medical alert button in the bedroom, bathroom and in areas of the house where the majority of time is spent (living room, patio, kitchen, etc.).

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·         If the home has stairs, make sure a handrail exists, preferably on both sides.

·         Install a walk-in bath or shower in place of a standard tub and add a handrail, a seat and non-skid mat.

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·         Double check all floorboards, tile, carpeted areas and entryways to ensure that the surface is even.

·         Remove any small area rugs that someone could potentially trip over. If you don’t want to remove the rug, secure it with nails or double-stick tape.

·         Purchase nonskid floor wax to cover over any hazardous floor space (wood stairs, bathrooms, hallways, etc.).

·         Night lights should be scattered throughout the home, specifically in dark areas such as hallways, bathrooms, bedrooms and walk-in closets.

·         Always maintain a clear pathway for movement. Tape down any electrical wiring and move any plants, furniture or clutter that could be tripped over. A clean home is essential.

Health and Wellness Measures

·         Fall-prevention starts with making an appointment with the doctor.  They will ask questions to assess the risk of falling. It’s especially important to see a doctor if you or your loved one has fallen before, or if you have an existing health condition.

·         Asses all medications that are being taken because taking certain medications, or multiple medications can significantly increase the risk of falling.

·         Vision should be checked regularly. Our vision changes as we age so any prescription glasses should be updated as needed.

·         Eating healthy is essential for optimum health, so ensure proper nutrition to help promote strong bones and positive fuel for the body.

·         Moving your body can help reduce the risk of falling. Have your aging loved one take a walk every day, or try yoga. A little bit goes a long way. Seeing a physical therapist can also help with balance, coordination and flexibility.

·         Wear sensible shoes. Although comfortable, slip-on shoes of any sort can be a tripping hazard if the shoes slip off. Wearing only socks can also be a hazard. It’s important for you or your aging loved one to have shoes that can be firmly fastened, include a non skid sole, and fit comfortably.

·         If you or your aging loved one is in need of any assistive devices, don’t resist using them!

Assisted Living communities here in the Chicago Western Suburbs, as well as nursing homes take these same precautions to reduce the risk of falling, but if you or your aging loved one is still living independently then it’s important to help promote the safest situation possible in his or her home. Take matters into your own hands and make some changes to you and your aging loved one’s home to make it as fall-proof as possible. However, there comes a time when it is no longer safe living independently. If this is the case, it’s time to seek help and learn about the various senior living options and which one might be right for you and your family. Contact your local senior care advisor to get more information on taking the next step.

 

Assisted Transition

Rick Graffagna

Local Owner

630.246.2579

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