Fall Prevention for Seniors
Every year, 1 in 4 seniors in the United States experiences a potentially life-altering fall. These incidents produce more than just injuries and broken bones; many older adults are left with emotional scars and mounting hospital bills. To make matters worse, they may also be forced to move out of the comfort of their own home and into assisted living.
At Visiting Angels Gadsden, we understand the importance of keeping seniors safe in order to preserve their cherished independence and peace of mind. Our comprehensive in-home care services incorporate fall prevention strategies that will help reduce the fear and anxiety surrounding falls.
If in-home care is unfamiliar to you, learn more about how we can assist your family member.
How Visiting Angels Can Help Reduce Falls
It’s crucial to remember that falls are not a natural consequence of aging. When seniors have the right support system in place, slips, trips, and tumbles can be avoided.
Companion and Personal Care
Each of our senior clients receives a care plan that is completely tailored to their needs. Whichever services your family member receives, you can rest easy knowing fall prevention is always prioritized. Here are two popular home care options that emphasize safety.
Companion care: If your senior loved one could use more social interaction, along with help around the house, companion care services are beneficial. Their caregiver will happily perform light chores to minimize clutter and other fall risks, run local errands, provide transportation, and help seniors safely engage in their favorite activities, both in and outside the home.
Personal care: For those who lack mobility or strength, their care professional can assist with bathing, toileting, hygiene routines, safe transfers, and more. Typically, these older adults would be unable to live on their own without assistance from a caregiver.
Click for a complete overview of our in-home care options.
Home Safety Assessment
Following your free, initial consultation, Visiting Angels offers a home safety assessment. We highly recommend completing this step so we have a full scope of your senior family member’s needs. At this assessment, a member of our team will evaluate your loved one’s surroundings and help identify potential hazards, such as poor lighting and slippery surfaces. Afterwards, we’ll share our findings and create a care plan that keeps their safety and security at the forefront.
Questions About Fall Prevention
It’s important to us that you’re well-informed when it comes to options for in-home care. Here are several commonly asked questions regarding our fall prevention services.
Why are seniors at a higher risk of falling?
Older adults experience a range of physical, sensory, and cognitive changes as they age, including diminished senses, balance issues, and muscle weakness. They may also take medications that make them feel drowsy or dizzy. Due to these and other factors, seniors are much more susceptible to serious falls than younger adults. You can read more about how the brain changes with age in one of our past blog articles.
How do I know if my senior family member needs fall prevention?
If your loved one has chosen to age in place at home, it’s never too early to start the discussion surrounding fall prevention and safety. Reach out to Visiting Angels for more information or to set up a free consultation. The last thing you want is for a devastating fall to occur when it could have been prevented.
Are your caregivers able to assist with mobility?
Yes. Our care professionals are highly trained and able to assist with walking, transferring, and the use of mobility aids, like canes and walkers.
What should I do if my loved one has already experienced a fall?
After addressing any immediate medical needs, contact Visiting Angels to schedule an initial consultation and home safety assessment. From there, we can start developing a personalized care plan to prevent future falls.
For answers to further questions you may have, we invite you to take a look at our FAQ page.
Local Gadsden Resources
Medical Facilities
It’s vital for seniors to schedule regular check ups with their physician. One of the main reasons for this is that a doctor may be able to recognize potential conditions that could lead to a fall. Additionally, older adults should be aware of area medical centers in case they experience a serious medical episode.
There are many healthcare facilities available for Gadsden seniors, including emergency services and urgent care clinics:
- Gadsden Regional Medical Center
- Riverview Regional Medical Center
- American Family Care Gadsden
- Rainbow City CarePlus
- Southern Immediate Care in Attalla
- Etowah Family Medical
- The Clinic of Gadsden
- Etowah Free Community Clinic
- Gadsden Rapid and Immediate Care
- East Gadsden Clinic
Gadsden Senior Community Services
Staying active is essential in order for seniors to remain healthy, both physically and mentally. Their Visiting Angels caregiver will happily accompany your family member on outings in the Gadsden area to help keep them connected to their community. Below are several suggestions for local services that enhance the well being of older adults:
Gadsden Senior Wellness Center: The recently-opened facility boasts a fitness center, Bingo room, pool table, pickleball courts, and much more.
The Council on Aging of Etowah County: The authority on senior health and safety in Northeastern Alabama.
Attalla Senior Center: A safe and supportive space for seniors to socialize and enjoy fun shared activities.
Get Started with Fall Prevention in Gadsden
Once you’re ready to take the next step in protecting your loved one’s independence, contact us. One of our care coordinators will happily set up a no-obligation consultation at your loved one’s home in Gadsden to discuss their care needs. With help from Visiting Angels, your family member can continue to live a full and active life, without the fear of falling holding them back.
To get started today, please fill out our contact form or call 256-507-0083.
Fall Prevention Video:
If you, a parent, or another loved one has recently fallen, this video can help you plan for what to do next.
Fall Prevention & Safety Program Available For:
Blount County, AL; Etowah County, AL; Marshall County, AL; Arab, AL; Attalla, AL; Blountsville, AL; Gadsden, AL; Guntersville, AL; Oneonta, AL; Rainbow City, AL; Union Grove, AL
Serving Blount, Marshall, Etowah Counties and the surrounding areas
Visiting Angels GADSDEN, AL
815 Riverbend Dr #AGadsden, AL 35901
Phone: 256-507-0083