Fall Prevention: Staying on Your Feet with Active Personal Care
Fall prevention should be at the top of every senior’s priorities. Using personal care for fall prevention can help you and your loved ones stay on your feet!
Did you know that 3 million older adults visit the emergency room each year because of fall injuries? Almost 1/3 of them require hospitalization.
According to the CDC, 1 in 5 falls cause serious injuries each year. These injuries include broken bones and head injuries, and can even lead to death. Even more than physical injuries, falls are associated with a variety of other complications. These can include seeing a functional decline post-fall, inactivity, loss of confidence, and even depression.
Just having a fall doubles your risk of having another fall, regardless if you had any sort of injury.
Who is at Risk for Falls?
Medications are one of the top risk factors for falls. As people age, they can react differently to medications. Older people tend to be more susceptible to side effects, especially when it comes to drowsiness and balance.
Another big risk factor is lower body weakness. This weakness affects our ability to get around. It can make a simple task like going up and down the stairs seem like climbing Mount Everest.
Simple things like our favorite rug or table can increase the risk of falling.
Worsening vision, depression, chronic diseases, age, and osteoporosis have all been linked to an increase in fall risk.
How Active Personal Care Can Help Prevent Falls?
Active Personal Care is here to help. Our aides are available morning, mid-day, and evenings. They are available for long-term, short-term, or temporary stints too.
Some of the ways that private duty nursing can help include:
- Provide assistance when walking and transferring
- Motivate to keep active and complete your home exercise program
- Help declutter the living space
- Improve bathroom safety with the use of tub benches and hand-held showers
- Meal preparation
- Medication reminders
- Coordinate and provide transportation
Active Personal Care’s Tips for Preventing Falls
Active Personal Care’s Tips for Preventing FallsThe National Institute on Aging provides the following tips to help prevent falls:
- Stay Physically Active: Activity strengthens muscles. Even a little bit goes a long way. Big changes always start with small improvements.
- Have Your Eyes and Hearing Tested: Little changes to your vision and hearing can greatly affect how you perceive the environment around you. They can alter your perception of what is safe and what is dangerous.
- Know What Medications You Are Taking: As stated above, the older you get, the more susceptible you are to certain side effects. Talk to your doctor or your pharmacist and ask them how you can manage them.
- Stand Up Slowly: The older you get, the more likely your blood pressure will drop too quickly when you stand. Always go from lying to sitting and from sitting to standing. Use a chair or the edge of the bed for support.
- Use a Cane or Walker if Needed: Don’t be afraid to admit when you need some extra help. Canes and walkers can provide the extra support needed, especially when you are on uneven ground. Make sure to follow up with your provider to ensure you have the right size.
Why Choose Active Personal Care?
Fall prevention should be at the top of every senior’s priorities. Falls come with a variety of intended consequences, including fractures, head injuries, fears and even death. If you or a loved one could help prevent falls, call Active Personal Care to set up your free, in-home consultation today. Our aides are ready to help you and your loved ones stay on your feet!
