Fall Safety For Seniors

One out of four seniors fall annually, leading to various complications like concussions and broken bones. However, falling doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of aging. There are fall safety tips you can take to reduce your risk of fall-related complications for a safer and better quality of life. 

Fall-Related Complications

Falling is one of the biggest concerns for seniors and their loved ones when it comes to living alone, because many severe complications can come with a fall. 

• Broken bones: Falls can cause bone breaks and fractures, most commonly in the hip, shoulder, arm, and ankle. Bones require medical attention to heal and can cause severe pain and loss of mobility. 
• Concussion: A concussion is a serious head injury caused by trauma to the head. Concussions can cause confusion, nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Concussions often don’t exhibit symptoms immediately, so getting checked out by a medical professional is essential, even if you’re feeling okay. 
• Fear: If you fall, it’s common to fear falling again, especially if you sustained an injury. Sometimes, that fear can make it difficult to trust in yourself, adding unwanted stress or anxiety into your life. 

Fall Safety Tips At Home

Falls are common among seniors, but that doesn’t mean you should accept them as a natural part of aging. Making a few modifications in your home and how you approach specific situations can significantly reduce your fall risk, keeping you safe and independent at home. 

• Place grab bars in your bathroom. One of the more common places to fall is in the bathroom. Grab bars around the toilet and near the tub can help you move more safely. 
• Keep walkways free of clutter. Keep your belongings off the floor, especially around doorways or hallways, to reduce your risk of falling. 
• Put collars on pets. Small dogs and cats are prone to tripping their owners, especially when they sneak up on you. Try putting bells and collars on them so you can hear when they’re around. 
• Wear sturdy shoes. Whether indoors or outdoors, wear shoes that fit securely on your feet. Avoid slip-on shoes as they’re more prone to fall off and trip you.
• Place your most used items in easy-to-reach places. You want the items you use the most in your home to be in the easiest-to-reach places so you can access them when needed. 
• Keep your home well-lit. Open curtains or turn on lights throughout the day to see everything in your home. At night, consider motion-sensored lights in the hallway or bathroom to help you navigate your home in the dark. 

Fall Prevention With Visiting Angels 

Falls and the fear of falls shouldn’t keep seniors from living safe and independent lives at home. Visiting Angels is combating fall risks through our fall prevention services. Caregivers are available at any time of day to assist clients throughout the home and reduce their risk of falling. 

Visiting Angels provides nonmedical assistance with tasks like lighthouse housekeeping, mobility, cooking, personal grooming, bathroom help, and medication reminders. We also offer specialized care, such as dementia care and palliative care. 

All potential clients can schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about how at-home care services with Visiting Angels can improve their independence and quality of life. Schedule your consultation today by contacting our Rockwall office.