Senior Home Safety: Fall Prevention Tips
During home safety month, we have been focusing on disaster preparedness for seniors and caregivers as well as general home safety for elderly individuals.
The National Safety Council specifically focuses this week (June 19-25) on preventing slips, trips and falls. “Falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injures in the United States, accounting for approximately 8.6 million visits to the emergency department. Adults 55 and older are more prone to becoming victims of falls, and the resulting injuries can diminish the ability to lead active, independent lives. The number of fall deaths among those 65 or older is 4 times the number of fall deaths among all other age groups.”
Surveys consistently show that seniors wish to remain in their own homes as they age. The reality is that in order to do so, one must take action steps to prevent problems and maximize health and well-being. Falls are one of the main causes of those plans getting derailed. Any senior who is serious about the goal of aging in place must examine home safety and fall risks/prevention.
Many factors lead to an increased risk of falls in seniors. A reduction in physical strength, balance issues and effects of chronic conditions and medications all contribute. Prevention can help. Exercise to increase strength, flexibility and balance. Review medications with your doctor or pharmacist and seek help from a specialist who can review medication interactions and side effects. An environmental review can uncover many simple changes in the home environment that can reduce hazards.
A little bit of extra home care support can reduce hazardous activities while helping a senior stay as active as possible. Our home caregivers often assist with chores around the home, help getting in and out of the car and running errands and safety reassurance for seniors who live alone. Home health services such as physical and occupational therapy are effective for clients with balance and strength issues, who have had significant changes or deterioration in function or who have experienced minor falls and need a plan to boost safety. Talk to your doctor about outpatient physical therapy or home health services to address concerns. Your therapist can recommend ongoing exercises when the therapy completes, which our home health aides can assist you in maintaining.
Download our Elderly Falls Prevention Checklist and review possible hazards around the home.
EasyLiving offers a free, in-home assessment to discuss ways that home care support may assist seniors in maintaining independence and wellbeing. We also offer geriatric care management assessments for a complete review of safety and health with tailored recommendations and resources.
CONTACT US today to learn more about Florida senior safety at home and home care options.