Fall Prevention for Seniors
Visiting Angels of Rockford, IL, has been empowering the seniors of Boone and Winnebago Counties to live as safely and independently as possible in their own homes. Our in-home care services often include fall prevention for many of our clients. In our golden years, an unexpected fall can be a significant threat to one's health and lifestyle. According to the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA), one in four seniors experiences a fall per year, while thousands sustain an injury like a fractured bone.
These avoidable incidents can cause lifestyle changes that compromise independent living for older adults. At Visiting Angels of Rockford, we’re dedicated to helping local seniors stay safe and secure at home, free from the fear of falling. We offer in-home care services and use fall prevention strategies to make this dedication a reality.
Learn more about in-home care and see if it's the right fit for you and your family.
The Real Cost of Senior Falls
The cost of a fall goes deeper than the physical injury caused. Falling can lead to financial strain when faced with medical bills from emergency services or hospitalization. They can also leave an emotional scar from the fear of another fall happening. This can get so extreme, that some people isolate themselves to avoid potential accidents. These disheartening stories are not uncommon, but the important thing to know is that falls can be prevented!
You can learn more about the risk of social isolation on a senior’s well-being, as well as strategies to prevent it, in one of our past blog articles.
How You Can Reduce The Risk of Falls at Home
Although falls can feel random, the risk factors can be glaring to the trained eye. These are usually caused by environmental and health factors, including medical issues, physical conditions, and cluttered spaces. Below are some ways that you can improve your lifestyle to reduce the probability of falls at home and beyond:
- Consult your doctor: Be proactive and consistent with doctor visits to discuss your medications, chat about any recent falls, and even get some professional recommendations for physical activity that can ultimately improve strength and balance.
- Schedule an eye exam: Ensure your vision is optimal for safely navigating your space and environment by seeing an eye doctor. Taking care of your vision reduces the risk of obstacles causing falls.
- Modify risky behavior: As we continue to age, certain behaviors become more of a fall risk due to a loss of balance and strength. Avoid standing on unstable surfaces and begin practicing safer habits at home.
- Wear sensible footwear: The right shoes give you great support throughout your day and help support your balance, not challenge it. When picking new footwear, go for non-slip sole options that have good grip. Closed toes are great for avoiding any potential injury to bare toes or feet.
Read additional tips you can try to prevent falls at home.
How Visiting Angels Helps Prevent Falls in Rockford
When you have Visiting Angels by your side, we provide you with comprehensive fall prevention support you can depend on. We can address emotional, physical, and even environmental factors that might be putting you at greater risk of falling or encountering a safety hazard. Our fall prevention services may involve any of the following depending on the personalized needs of each client we meet:
Home Safety Assessments
A professional member of our care team will visit your loved one’s home to evaluate their environment. During this assessment, they will identify possible hazards for falls and trips, as well as make recommendations for ways the space can be modified to further enhance safety. From improving lighting for better visibility to installing handrails in the shower, we can highlight what can be done to make the space a safe oasis.
Personalized Care Planning
Each of our clients receives a personalized care plan made just for them because care needs differ for everyone. Some older adults need direct physical help with accomplishing their daily tasks without falling or compromising their safety. This is a perfect example of where our personal care services would be helpful. Others have mobile independence but want a friendly companion to spend time with who can also help with light household responsibilities. Companion care services help avoid senior isolation while reducing fall risks when maintaining household tasks. Whichever services our clients receive, their families can rest easy knowing fall prevention is always at the forefront of their care.
See our entire Senior Life Care Navigation collection of programs.
FAQ: Common Questions About Fall Prevention
Fall prevention is a vital part of aging in place safely, and we want our local communities to stay as informed on their options as possible. Below are some common questions others in your place have inquired about that can further help in making an educated decision in future care planning:
How do I get started with fall prevention services?
All of our services, including fall prevention, begin with a one-on-one comprehensive consultation and assessment so we can get to know your unique needs and environment better. Based on the findings, we create a customized plan of care and schedule, which we can implement within a day or two in many cases. Schedule your no-cost consultation today by giving us a call at 815-977-3452 and one of our care coordinators will get you penciled in.
What specific home modifications do you usually implement?
Every home and person is different, but there are some common modifications that we have noticed and implemented for various seniors in the Rockford area. This typically involves freeing walkways and areas of clutter, securing furniture of rugs that might fall over or slide around, lightly organizing things to put commonly-used items within easy reach, and light rearrangement of furniture for easier access to bedrooms and common areas. For more extensive modification like installing fall-prevention hardware, moving heavy furniture, or carpentry/remodeling, we suggest finding local professionals who can assist.
What are the benefits of fall-preventative services?
Besides the obvious physical security, fall prevention allows seniors to continue living independently, if that is their wish, and if a fall happens, to have the support network to minimize the stress and strain while recovering. Our services also put many families at ease who no longer have to worry about their elderly loved ones being alone or unattended at home.
If you have more questions about our care plans, visit our FAQ page to learn more.
Local Rockford Resources
While no one ever wants to experience a fall or safety hazard, we all know they can happen. Be prepared for if and when it happens to you or someone you love. Rockford, IL has several options for receiving emergency care (in addition to calling 911, if needed), non-emergency care, as well as support for senior services and activities. Part of working with Visiting Angels involves having a dependable caregiver who can happily provide safe transportation to area places, as well as assist in walking with or without an assisted device like a cane or walker.
Rockford Senior Community Services
- The Rockford Public Schools district hosts senior events and activities through Rockford Seniors Unlimited. With monthly calendars full of things like bingo, fitness classes, and craft fairs, senior residents have plenty to keep them busy.
- The Ken-Rock Community Center provides programs and events for seniors throughout the year, including hosting an Alzheimer’s support group.
- The Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging (NIAAA) is located in Rockford, and is the area’s designated local authority on aging.
Rockford Area Medical Facilities
- OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
- UW Health Women and Children's Hospital
- UW Health Heart Hospital
- Department Of Veteran Affairs
- Mercy Health Cherry Valley
- Physicians Immediate Care
- Guiding Health Immediate & Primary Care
- Injury Express Walk-in Injury Care
Take the Next Step in Fall Prevention Today!
Are you ready to take the next step in protecting your or a loved one’s independence? Don’t wait for a fall to happen - let’s work together to proactively keep seniors in the Greater Rockford area safe from falls.
Contact us online or call us today!
Fall Prevention & Safety Program Available For:
Boone County, IL, Winnebago County, IL, Belvidere, IL, Caledonia, IL, Capron, IL, Cherry Valley, IL, Durand, IL, Garden Prairie, IL, Loves Park, IL, Machesney Park, IL, Pentatonica, IL, Poplar Grove, IL, Rockford, IL, Rockton, IL, Roscoe, IL, South Beloit, IL, and Beloit-Metropolitan, WI.
Don't see your town listed? Find a Visiting Angels Senior Homecare Agency near you.
Serving Rockford, Winnebago, and Boone Counties, Beloit, WI
Visiting Angels ROCKFORD, IL
3600 E. State St #303Rockford, IL 61108
Phone: 815-977-3452