How to Reduce Your Elderly Loved One’s Risk of Falling

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How to Prevent Senior Loved Ones from Falling

As seniors age, the possibility of losing balance and falling increases, but there are some minor lifestyle and environmental changes that can help reduce your elderly loved one’s risk of falls and injuries. The staff at Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Anchorage home care, shares these effective fall prevention tips with you.

Remove Tripping Hazards

Walkways that are kept clear and wide enough for your loved one to move through easily will help prevent falls. Pick up throw rugs, cords, or clutter that can lead to falls, and push furniture away from walking paths to avoid your loved one’s clothing from getting caught on the edges and putting him or her off balance.

Provide Ample Light

Since age-related vision conditions can cause difficulty in dimly-lit spaces, the more light available reduces the risk of a fall occurring. Make sure walkways are well lit, with light switches and lamps easy to reach, install new light bulbs if necessary, and consider purchasing nightlights your loved one can use in case he or she needs to get out of bed in the middle of the night.

Purchase Sensible Shoes

Stockings can be slippery and loose-fitting bedroom slippers can cause tripping, so it is best to find shoes for your loved one that fit properly and have non-skid soles. Shoes with heels that are not too high and that have some sort of fastener, such as laces or buckles, are ideal.

Encourage Exercise

Exercises like yoga, tai chi, and core strengthening can be especially helpful in improving balance and reducing the risk of falls. Look into chair exercises if your loved one cannot stand for extended periods of time, and check with his or her doctor before getting started if he or she is new to exercising.

Check Medications Carefully

Many medications have side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and decreased physical coordination. If any of these side effects occur, your loved one should get up slowly and hold onto something if necessary, and you should check to make sure the correct dosage of each medication is being taken.

Keeping your elderly loved one safe in the comfort of his or her home is a top priority, but you may not always be available to prevent falls and accidents from occurring. If your loved one faces mobility challenges, regular professional care may be just what you need to ensure your peace of mind. Home Care Assistance offers hourly and live-in care in Anchorage, with caregivers who are expertly trained in providing mobility support, including assistance getting in and out of bed or a wheelchair, as well as daily exercises and movement throughout the home. To learn more about our senior care services, call (907) 770-0907 today to speak with one of our qualified Care Managers.

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