Hearing about a senior suffering from a fall often conjures thoughts of a frail person, but even seniors you might consider to be strong and steady are at risk of falling. From tripping over a throw rug to slipping on slick floors, the leading cause of serious injury and death in seniors over the age of 65 is falling.
According to the CDC, senior falls cost an annual $50 billion in medical costs. This includes medication, doctor visits, and in-patient rehab facilities. That’s $12 billion paid by private insurance and a collective $38 billion coming from Medicare and Medicaid!
It might come as a surprise that a major cause of senior falls is a fear of falling. This can lead to anxiety in social situations over possible fall risks such as tripping while getting up quickly. Avoiding outings and events creates fewer opportunities for exercise and mobility, which can increase the overall risk of falling.
It may not be falling itself your loved one is worried about. Rather, they may be anxious about what the fall could mean for them. Many seniors have a difficult time accepting that the aging process comes with the likelihood they may not be able to do everything they once did. Because people worry they may lose their independence, they may not ask for help when they need it.
Whether it’s medication or the inevitable physical effects of aging, there are a number of medical reasons a senior might fall.
With the advancements in health and medical care, seniors are living alone in their homes much later in life. While this increases morale and quality of life, it can also increase unforeseen fall risks. Things like cords, rugs, unsafe shoes and oversized clothing can cause falls.
As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Yes, falls are inevitable as we get older, but you can minimize the number and severity of falls for your elderly parent or family member with a little information and preparation.
Musculature declines as we age, so it’s more important than ever to stay active. Encourage your elderly loved ones to engage in activities they enjoy in a safe and reasonable manner to maintain morale and mobility.
Adding balance exercises such as weight shifts and the heel-to-toe walk to their regular exercise routine will help to improve balance and reduce the likelihood of falls It’s especially vital for seniors to consult a doctor before adding physical activity to their daily routine.
Your loved ones can maintain their independence while also staying safe with the help of a home safety checklist:
It can be difficult to deal with the effects of aging, but accepting them can actually help your loved one stay healthier and more independent for much longer.
Regular checkups are necessary to stay on top of health and gain early awareness about eyesight and hearing issues.
Be honest with the doctor about any:
We’ve all experienced dizziness when we stand suddenly from a seat at one time or another. The elderly are more prone to experience this sensation, which increases their risk of falling. Taking it slow will give blood pressure time to adjust, easing the dizziness.
Reducing falls all comes down to preparation. Using these methods, you can help prevent your loved ones from falling and gain peace of mind.
Whether your loved one needs assistance only a few hours a week or around-the-clock, our team is happy to help! Call (781) 821-2800 to learn more about the transition care services offered through ComForCare Home Care (Canton, MA).
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