Preventing Falls Among Seniors: Ensuring Safety at Home

Preventing falls is essential for maintaining the safety and well-being of seniors. This prevention helps seniors remain at home where they are most comfortable and can stay healthy and independent. As the top cause of serious injuries for seniors, falls can lead to life-changing complications or hospitalizations that may keep them from remaining independent at home. Prevention of injuries is a key factor for remaining independent. 

At Visiting Angels Liberty Lake, we can help reduce the risk of falls with some simple and proven methods. Our care professionals and care providers are able to provide valuable knowledge and proven methods that will help minimize the chances of serious injury or hospitalization.

Our Safe and Steady® fall prevention program and information services are available in many areas, including:  Spokane County, Newman Lake, Liberty Lake, Green Bluff, Colbert, Mead, Otis Orchards, Chattaroy, Deer Park, Elk and Newport.

Our Safe and Steady® fall prevention program and information is designed to address slips, trips, and falls that can easily occur among seniors. Our Visiting Angels care professionals receive specialized training to help implement fall avoidance strategies based on each individual’s needs and home environment. By promoting safe methods of mobility within a senior's living space, seniors can enjoy a high quality of life, with confidence.

Why Fall Prevention Matters

Fall prevention is vitally important for seniors because falls can significantly impact safety and independence. Beyond just physical injuries, falls can lead to the fear of falling again, further limiting mobility, confiencence and independence.

Seniors face several risk factors that make them more vulnerable to falls that can include:

• Poor coordination
• Decreased strength and limited mobility
• Vision and hearing impairments
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Cognitive and memory disorders
• Medications that can alter coordination

The severe injuries that seniors can suffer from falls, i.e., hip fractures and broken bones, are particularly dangerous. Recovery can be a long journey, with many never fully regaining their previous level of coordination and independence.

To help assess your loved one’s fall risk, consider the CDC’s Timed Up and Go.

Starting the Safe and Steady® Fall Prevention Program

To get started, contact Visiting Angels Liberty Lake. A care coordinator will arrange a free consultation with you and your senior. During this visit, we will create a personal home care plan and recommend a care professional that is tailored to you or your loved one’s needs.

For more information about our fall prevention program and in home care, contact us or call 509-903-4000.

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Some FAQs About Fall Prevention

What Signs Indicate My Loved One May Be at Risk of Falling?
Watch for signs like unexplained bruises, difficulty standing up, using furniture for balance, and changes in their walking pattern. These may indicate reduced strength or balance issues, necessitating a fall-risk health assessment. 

How Can Home Care Help Reduce Fall Risk?
Visiting Angels Liberty Lake caregivers play a crucial role in minimizing fall risks. Through companion care, we can help keep your loved one’s home safe and tidy while assisting with daily tasks such as light housekeeping and errands. For those at higher risk, personal care services can aid with mobility assistance, dressing, bathing, meal preparation and errands. 

How Can Families Reduce the Risk of Falls at Home?

Many falls occur at home. Visiting Angels Liberty Lake can help identify potential hazards, such as:

• Needing a new mobility device to help with movement
• Inadequate or non-existent grab bars in bathrooms
• Loose rugs and tripping hazards
• Cluttered pathways
• Recent illnesses or medication changes

We can provide a home safety guide and checklist during the assessment to help implement simple modifications that can significantly reduce fall risks.

What Exercises Can Seniors Do to Improve Balance and Strength?
Seniors can benefit from exercises like walking, local classes in Spokane for tai chi, and yoga to enhance balance and flexibility. Strength-training with resistance bands or light weights can also improve muscle strength and stability. Our professional caregivers at Visiting Angels Liberty Lake can assist in safely implementing these exercises, ensuring they align with your loved one’s fitness level and abilities.