How Home Care Providers Can Help With Fall Prevention
Fall Prevention in Northbrook IL
The risk of suffering a fall increases due to the physical and mental changes that occur has we age. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately two million seniors annually seek medical care in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries. Although falls may not seem serious to many people, they can result in broken bones and head trauma – both of which can lead to a decline in an elderly person’s health. Certain factors can increase one’s risk of suffering a fall. As an elder care provider, it’s important to take the proper steps to keep your patient safe.
Is Your Patient At Risk?
The following factors can make your patient more likely to suffer a debilitating fall:
Health conditions – Ear and eye disorders can increase the risk of a fall. How does the patient feel when standing or walking? Does he or she feel dizzy? Do the joints feel painful or numb? A doctor should evaluate the patient’s walking style, balance and muscle strength.
Medications – Certain medications, such as antidepressants and sedatives, can increase the risk of suffering a fall. Discuss this concern with your patient’s doctor to see if the dosage can be reduced.
Previous falls – If the patient has fallen once or several times before, he or she is likely to fall again. Assess what happened in each situation and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that it doesn’t happen in the future.
Fall Prevention Tips
Falls do not have to be a normal part of the aging process. Follow these tips to keep your elderly patient safe:
Wear appropriate shoes – Slippers and high heels should not be standard footwear for seniors. Even walking around in socks or bare feet can lead to slips and falls. Invest in a sturdy pair of shoes that have non-skid soles.
Exercise often – Activity helps build balance, strength and coordination, which can help prevent falls. Look into low-impact exercises, such as walking and water sports.
Remove hazards – With many falls occurring in the home, it’s important to keep floors clear of debris. Get rid of clutter and things that can cause trips, such as rugs. Replace burnt-out light bulbs promptly, as poor lighting can contribute to falls.
Keep commonly-used items within reach – When your patient has to use a step stool or ladder to reach items, he or she increases the risk of falling.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring homecare services near Northbrook, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our senior care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
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