While you may not always be able to stop a senior from falling, you can take some steps to help reduce the risks of falling.The fear of falling among seniors is very real, causing anxiety and may limit their activity. This anxiety can actually increase the risk of falling because they cannot effectively utilize their body’s defences. When trying to overcome the fear of movement, we must empower our loved ones so they gradually regain confidence and mobility.
Seniors are not only more prone to falling, but they are also at a higher risk of fall-related injuries. In the unfortunate event of a fall, Promyse Home Care is here to provide the necessary care. We work with your loved one’s doctors, specialists, and caregivers to create a personalized care plan for a quick recovery at home, in a comfortable and familiar environment, ensuring their safety and your peace of mind.
Falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians, with 20-30% seniors experiencing one or more falls each yearly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that “more than one out of four older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.”
Preventative Measures to Help your Loved Ones from Falling
Install Better Lighting
Seniors cannot always see that well in a dark or shadowed room. Better, brighter lighting can help to light the way. On this same subject, assess the location of light switches. These may be out of reach for someone in a wheelchair. There are now choices to automate turning lights on or off, such as Smart Light, which is relatively easy to use and great for seniors. Smart Bulbs are just regular LED bulbs manufactured with an embedded Wi-Fi receiver.
Bathroom Safety
While stepping out of a shower may seem easy, an unsteady senior may slip and come crashing to the floor. To help, provide non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower. Install grab bars at strategic points around the bathroom and inside the shower stall or just above the bathtub to help a senior with lowering or standing up. Seating when showering is a good idea, and using a shower head with a hand-held nozzle can be easily turned away during sudden water temperature changes.
Securing Carpets
Throw rugs may spruce up a room, but they can be dangerous for seniors. It is common for bathroom mats, kitchen mats near the sink, and living room mats to slip. Tacking rugs down with two-sided carpet tape may avoid stumbling over any loose surfaces, or simply remove them in areas where a senior may stumble easily.
Stair Safety
Stairs can be a significant concern whether inside or outside the senior’s home. Aging eyes may not always be able to distinguish one step from the next. To help, you could try replacing the carpet on each step to make them easier to spot. Try painting each step a different colour in the case of bare steps. All flights of stairs should also have secure handrails on both sides.
General Home Safety
Are there any power cords stretched across a senior’s floor? Tape them down or slide them underneath or behind furniture. A more mobile senior may be able to sidestep a footstool or a coffee table, but not all seniors can do this. Remove unneeded furniture to give the senior more room to maneuver and help to create a safer living environment.
Senior’s Footwear
Shoes need to fit well and have non-slip soles. Shoes with Velcro straps can be easier to tighten or loosen. They also remove any risk of tripping over long laces. Lightweight shoes are better for senior loved ones because heavy footwear can lead to shuffling and increase the risk of falls.
Staying Active!
Staying active is a key factor in preventing falls among seniors. Regular walking, light exercising, and stretching can help seniors maintain stability and strength. By keeping stabilizing muscles strong, exercise can significantly reduce the risk of falls. Encouraging your loved ones to stay active, whether through exercise or even dancing to music, can be a fun and effective way to build confidence and strengthen their legs and arms.
At Promyse Home Care, your independence, safety, and dignity are our highest priorities. We provide home support care in the comfort of your home throughout Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, designed to meet your individual preferences and needs. Our care plans are customized for you and delivered by compassionate, friendly, professional caregivers.
A phone or in-home consultation with one of our experienced nurse case managers is the first step in our care process. This consultation will help us understand your needs and provide optimal care to reduce the risks of falling for your senior loved ones.
