There are lots of myths about aging that people believe, like the ones that relate to falls being a normal part of the aging process. The reality is that falls are incredibly dangerous and can have lasting impacts on seniors’ lives. Understanding more about falls and preventing them is a huge part of helping seniors stay safer at home. Home care providers can help families learn more about fall prevention as seniors age in place.
Falls Aren’t a Regular Part of Aging
The vast majority of falls that seniors experience are truly preventable. Taking a tumble isn’t something that seniors should just expect that they’re going to do periodically. Getting out of that mindset is so important because it allows families to come up with a solid plan for preventing falls. It also helps seniors realize that there are a lot of things they can do to avoid falling.
Vision Issues Play a Role
Even small vision changes can cause seniors to fall more easily. If seniors aren’t getting their vision checked periodically, they may want to reconsider that choice. Eye doctors can help seniors stay on top of whether their vision is changing and whether those changes are treatable. In some cases, prescription lenses, medication, or even surgery can correct vision problems for seniors.
Medication and Side Effects Are a Concern
Some of the medications that seniors take have side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and more that might contribute to a fall. For some seniors, taking just one of these types of medications is manageable. But if they take more than one medication that causes these types of effects, they’re more likely to experience a fall. It’s a good idea for seniors to talk with their doctors regularly about side effects and how they’re likely to impact fall risk factors.
Maintaining Mobility Helps
Losing mobility or becoming significantly less active over time can also make a fall more likely. Seniors who aren’t as mobile as they used to be find it more difficult to avoid obstacles and don’t have the balance or flexibility that they need to stay upright. Working with medical providers to determine if exercise is an option is the first step. Moving more and maintaining existing mobility keeps seniors feeling secure and self-confident, too.
Pay Attention to Household Hazards
Household hazards are another common issue for seniors who are at a higher risk of falling. Removing obstacles like clutter, cords on the floor, or furniture that takes up too much space helps a lot. Home care providers can keep up with household tasks more easily than seniors might be able to, which allows them to help seniors stay safer at home.
If seniors do fall, that’s not just a rite of passage during the aging process. The better plan is to avoid a fall if it’s at all possible. Home care providers can offer families tons of support so that they can learn the best ways to make sure seniors are as safe and healthy as possible while they age in place, and that includes preventing falls.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Services in Rockville Center, NY, please contact the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call (631) 424-7827
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Long Island and NYC, including Dix Hills, Floral Park, Great Neck, Huntington, Manhasset, Massapequa, Northport, Plainview, Rockville Center, Stony Brook, Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Queens County.
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