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Tips For Preventing Falls Among Seniors
Many falls can be prevented and are not just the result of getting older. Falls are usually caused by a number of things. By changing some of these things, you can lower your chances of falling.
By doing these things you can reduce your chances of falling :
1. Begin a regular exercise program.
Exercise is one of the best and easiest ways to reduce your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better day in and day out. Exercises that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most helpful.
Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling.
Be sure to ask your doctor or health care provider before beginning an exercise regimine.
2. Reduce risks at home by following these few tips.
About half of all falls happen at home. To make your home safer:
- Remove things you can trip over (such as papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.
- Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
- Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
- Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
- Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
- Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Lamp shades or frosted bulbs can reduce glare.
- Have handrails and lights put in on all staircases.
- Wear shoes that give good support and have thin non-slip soles. Avoid wearing slippers and athletic shoes with deep treads.
3. Have your doctor or pharmacist review your medicines.
Have your doctor or pharmacist look at all the medicines you take (including ones that don’t need prescriptions such as cold medicines). As you get older, the way some medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you drowsy or light-headed which can lead to a fall.
4. Have your vision checked.
Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/spotlite/falltips.htm#1
1. 89% Would Rather Live at Home Than Anywhere Else
Senior citizens fear moving into a nursing home and losing their independence more than they fear death, according to a study reported in The Wall Street Journal. When asked what they fear most, seniors rated loss of independence (26%) and moving out of home into a nursing home (13%) as their greatest fears. Death was cited as the greatest fear for just 3% of seniors.
2. Staying at Home is The Most Comfortable To Be.
Nothing beats the comfort of staying at home. This is true not only in comparison to an institution, but even compared to moving in with a family member. Any move is stressful. Combine moving with the recent loss of a spouse, the onset of dementia or a growing disability-and even the simplest transition can feel traumatic.
3. CareAll Home Care Prolongs Independence and Prevents Institutionalization.
It doesn’t take much in the form of a mobility limitation or mental decline to render people unable to care for themselves. Simple tasks like bathing, using the toilet, cooking-let alone driving to the store or to appointments-become difficult ordeals. Yet the inability to accomplish these basic tasks shouldn’t condemn a person to institutionalized care.
4. CareAll Home Care is Safer.
Institutionalized residents are at high risk for developing acute illnesses such as pneumonia, dehydration, gastroenteritis and even antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus infections. With a single caregiver attending to many people, it’s harder to control cross contamination from one infected resident to another. The one-on-one personal attention by a CareAll in-home caregiver greatly lowers the risk of such illnesses. Plus, home caregivers can devote 100% of their attention to preventing falls, wandering, bed sores, and kitchen injuries, and will even call 911 within seconds of an emergency.
5. CareAll Home Care Reduces Stress and Depression for The Whole Family.
A conservative estimate reports that 20% of family caregivers suffer from depression, twice the rate of the general population. The “role reversal” of family caregiving is equally stressful on the relative giving care and the one receiving care. Elders especially remain keenly aware of the increasing physical and mental losses they are suffering. Plus they may feel embarrassed to require a family member (especially their child) help them with certain issues, such as toilet care. Transitioning to an institution can be even more stressful.
6. Home Care Improves The Quality of Life.
By remaining in their home, with proper care, seniors are able to maintain the lifestyle and luxuries they are accustomed to enjoying. Keeping all their possessions, and familiar surroundings, CareAll clients are able to visit the same stores, restaurants, neighbors and parks they already know
7. Agency-Based Home Care is More Dependable
Turning to CareAll to provide your home care is much more reliable and safe compared to hiring an independent caregiver. If your caregiver runs late or becomes ill or is unable to keep the scheduled visit, an agency will be on your side, working to find a qualified substitute caregiver as soon as possible. With an independent caregiver, you’re on your own. Agency caregivers are also more thoroughly screened than independents. Good agency caregivers are also bonded and insured and are verified to be legal for employment. Agencies also take care of the responsibilities of taxes, benefits and workers compensation. Those differences can more than make up for the cost savings of hiring an independent caregiver
