Anyone can take a tumble unexpectedly, but seniors may not realize that they have more risk factors as they continue to age in place than they did in the past. Since falls are a huge health problem for aging adults, seniors need to know as much as possible about what could cause a fall and how to prevent falling. 24-hour home care providers can be there around the clock to help families address the preventable risk factors that can lead to a fall.
Slower Reflexes
As seniors age, they often find that their reflexes start to slow down. It might not be noticeable at first, but those small changes add up over time. Eventually, seniors may find that it’s tougher to dodge obstacles that they don’t see until the last second, and that can lead to a fall. Home care providers can help remind seniors to take their time and move more carefully around their homes.
Vision Issues
Vision changes cause a variety of problems for seniors. When they can’t see well, it’s much more difficult to avoid obstacles and keep themselves from falling. 24-hour home care providers can help by keeping the house tidier overall and ensuring that seniors have support with tasks that are more difficult due to vision trouble.
Foot Problems
Foot issues create problems for seniors in multiple areas, but especially when it comes to avoiding falls. Pain is a big problem because when seniors have foot pain, they may change how they walk without realizing they’re doing so. Shoes that don’t fit well or that are unsafe, like shoes with slippery soles, can create issues, too. Seniors are more likely to trip over their shoes or slip and fall.
Muscle Loss and Weakness
Another issue seniors run into as they age is that they tend to lose muscle tone and experience muscle weakness. That means that their bodies may not move or respond the same way they did in the past. If seniors aren’t paying attention to how their bodies are changing, they might be more prone to falling. Using assistive devices, including relying on 24-hour home care providers for mobility assistance, can help. Seniors may also benefit from starting an exercise program if their doctors agree that it’s safe to do.
Health Conditions and Medications
Health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid conditions can all cause problems like dizziness, balance problems, and trouble walking safely. Medications that help keep health issues under control can also increase fall risk factors because of side effects like drowsiness. Understanding how these issues impact fall risk factors and overall safety can help seniors to stay safer at home.
Environmental Factors
Sometimes the problem is environmental hazards that seniors aren’t able to manage alone. Clutter, slippery throw rugs, or furniture arrangements that don’t leave enough room to safely maneuver can all create tripping hazards for seniors. 24-hour home care providers can help families to stay on top of these issues, keeping seniors safer.
Keeping seniors aware of the risk factors they face is a big part of helping them to put a fall prevention plan together that really works. 24-hour home care providers offer ongoing support around-the-clock to help seniors do what they can to avoid falling.
If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-hour home care in Woodbury, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
