Five Conditions that Might Increase the Risk of Falling in Seniors
Senior Home Care in Clark County VA
A large percentage of seniors will fall at least once after they reach the age of 65. Some will only bang up their body a bit and get a few well-placed bruises, but other seniors can receive serious harm from a fall that could either end their life or greatly affect their quality of life from that point forward.
While falls are “accidents” and can’t always be prevented, there are certain health conditions and living situations that some seniors find themselves in that increase the risk of them accidentally falling at some point and hurting themselves. Understanding how these conditions can increase the risk of falling can help you work with your senior to make changes and reduce their risk of injuring themselves in a fall.
Five Fall Risk Factors
Vision Problems
It seems pretty straightforward that if your senior cannot see well, his risk of falling increases. Good vision is needed to see items that might be on the floor, to perceive depth when walking up and down stairs, and to see well in poorly-lit areas.
To prevent falls related to vision problems, make sure your loved one’s eyeglass prescription is regularly checked, and annual eye exams are not skipped. It can also help to add more lighting to poorly lit areas of the home.
Medications
Some medications can make balance difficult or lead to dizziness, which increases the risk of falling. If your loved one’s medication has this side effect, talk to her doctor or pharmacist about the best way to combat it and possibly change medication. If your loved one must take the medication, encourage slow, thoughtful movements as she moves around the home and make sure there are railings and other supportive objects for her to hang on to while walking.
Muscle Weakness
Weak leg muscles or a weak core can increase your loved one’s risk of falling, especially if she is trying to carry something heavy at the same time, or go up and down the stairs. A senior home care provider can help with chores around the home, which can help reduce the risk of falling. A home care provider can also help her use the stairs or get in and out of the shower.
Feet Issues
If your loved one has diabetes and struggles to feel her feet, or if she has arthritis that makes bending her ankles painful, both of these conditions can increase her risk of falling if she happens to step on something unseen. Proper footwear worn around the house can often help, as well as making sure railings are available for her to use on the stairs, in hallways, and in the bathroom.
Balance Problems
Some health conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or vertigo, can make staying upright and balanced more difficult for your senior. If they greatly impair her ability to move around safely, a senior home care provider who assists her around the home can help support her moving safely, as well as assist with home care tasks that have become dangerous for her.
Every fall risk cannot be eliminated, but understanding what may increase your loved one’s risk can help you prevent your loved one from injuring herself with a bad fall when you aren’t there.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Clark County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities – call us today at (703) 369-6677.
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