As we continue to spread Falls Prevention Awareness, we want to use this post to share some vital information to help protect your senior loved ones from falls. We also want to share how caregiving services can play a crucial role in that effort. As our parents and grandparents age, ensuring their safety becomes a top priority, especially when it comes to preventing falls. A fall may seem like a minor incident, but for seniors, it can lead to serious injuries, loss of independence, and even life-threatening complications. At Your Home Team Care, we are passionate about helping families keep their senior loved ones safe and independent in their homes.
Understanding the Risk: Why Falls Are a Serious Concern
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults. In fact, the statistics surrounding falls are quite alarming:
- 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and older falls each year in the United States, but less than half tell their doctor about the fall (CDC) .
- Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for seniors. Each year, more than 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries (National Council on Aging) .
- Falling once doubles the chances of falling again. Falls can lead to broken bones, head injuries, and a fear of falling that may reduce their willingness to stay active (CDC) .
The dangers are clear, and these falls often happen at home, in familiar places. However, by making some adjustments and taking preventive measures, we can significantly reduce these risks.
Fall Prevention Starts with Awareness
Recognizing the risks your senior loved one faces and taking proactive measures can mean the difference between a minor scare and a major injury. A simple fall prevention checklist can go a long way in protecting them from harm. You can even conduct a home safety walk-through to assess and address potential risks. By regularly reviewing their living environment and ensuring that it’s fall-proof, you’re actively contributing to their independence and safety.
Easy Steps to Prevent Falls at Home
Preventing falls starts with making sure your senior loved one’s environment is as safe as possible. Here are some ways you can help:
- Remove tripping hazards: Clear walkways of clutter, electrical cords, and throw rugs that could cause a fall.
- Install grab bars and handrails: Make sure that handrails are installed on all stairways, and grab bars are placed in the bathroom (especially near the toilet and in the shower).
- Improve lighting: Ensure all areas of the home are well-lit, especially hallways, staircases, and bathrooms. Nightlights can also be helpful.
- Keep frequently used items within easy reach: This helps to prevent unnecessary reaching, bending, or using unsafe items like chairs to grab things.
- Regular vision and hearing checks: Poor vision or hearing can affect balance and coordination. Keeping regular appointments with an optometrist or audiologist is essential.
Here’s How a Caregiver Can Help Prevent Falls
While environmental changes are important, having a caregiver can dramatically reduce the risk of falls for your senior loved one. Here’s how:
- Supervision and assistance: A caregiver can be there to offer steadying hands when needed, assist with difficult tasks, and provide companionship. This can alleviate fear and hesitation when moving around the home.
- Medication management: Some medications have side effects like dizziness or drowsiness, increasing the risk of falls. A caregiver can help monitor medications and ensure they are taken correctly.
- Encouraging safe activity: A caregiver can encourage your loved one to stay active, promoting strength and balance, which are key to preventing falls.
- Routine safety checks: Caregivers are trained to spot potential hazards in the home and can regularly assess whether changes need to be made to maintain a safe living space.
At Your Home Team Care, our caregivers are experienced in providing compassionate, individualized care that prioritizes the safety and well-being of your loved one. From assistance with daily activities to helping them move around the home confidently, we take pride in being a trusted partner in falls prevention.
Get A Free In-Home Safety Assessment
Falls can be prevented, but it’s important to take action before one happens. We offer a Free In-Home Safety Assessment by an RN to help you evaluate potential risks in the home. During this assessment, we’ll check for fall hazards, recommend modifications, and offer personalized care solutions to help your loved one live safely and independently.
Don’t wait for a fall to happen—let’s work together to protect your senior’s independence and quality of life. Give us a call to schedule your FREE In-Home Safety Assessment and learn more about how we can support your family in caring for your loved one.
Call us at (865) 332-5000 or visit our website to schedule your free in-home safety assessment today!
Your loved one deserves to live safely and comfortably in their own home, and we’re here to help make that happen.
References:
- CDC. “Important Facts About Falls.” https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html
- National Council on Aging. “Falls Prevention Facts.” https://www.ncoa.org