While many people know fall risk increases with age, did you know that falls are the leading cause of disability among those aged 65 or older? In fact, among seniors in Canada, 20 percent of deaths are caused by falls or complications resulting from falls. Statistics also show that almost half of these falls occur in the home. It’s important to make the home as safe as possible for a senior, so here are a few suggestions about how to prevent falls when caring for an aging loved one.
Home Safety
- Place a rubber mat inside the bathtub, install grab bars near the tub/shower and toilet, and make sure your loved one can step out onto a nonslip surface.
- Raise the level of the toilet to facilitate getting up and down.
- Make sure there’s sufficient lighting throughout the house and yard.
- Install handrails in all stairways for additional support.
- Keep outdoor walkways and stairs in good repair.
- Remove objects that are cluttering the floor and push furniture against the wall to open up more space in hallways and walkways.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the many ways you can reduce your loved one’s risk of falls. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of elder care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
Diet & Exercise
- Encourage exercise for at least 30 minutes four days a week. Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous and could be as simple as stretching at home or going on a walk around the neighbourhood.
- Dairy products, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt, as well as eggs, salmon, and spinach are all packed with vitamin D and calcium, which can strengthen bones to prevent falls.
- Certain conditions such as diabetes can leave seniors feeling light-headed. If your loved one has a specific condition, speak with his or her doctor about a health and exercise plan that reduces the risk of falls.
One of the best ways to reduce the risk of injuries from falls is to have a caregiver close by. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Calgary respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
General Health
- Medications should only be taken if prescribed or recommended by a doctor or primary care physician. Certain medications can cause seniors to become dizzy and can affect the sense of balance and awareness.
- Make sure your loved one has regular eye examinations to update his or her eyeglasses prescription if necessary.
An increased risk of falls is one of the many challenges seniors may have to face. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional at-home care. Calgary families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. If you need professional home care for your loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 403-301-3777.