Fall Prevention for Seniors: A Guide for Families

 For many adult children, the fear of an aging parent falling is a constant worry. You want them to remain independent in the home they love, but you also want them safe.

You aren’t alone in this concern—falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults.

However, falling is not an inevitable part of aging. With the right support and proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk.

ComForCare will partner with you, your caregiver, and your healthcare provider to identify factors that could lead to a fall and suggest interventions to improve your independence and well-being.

5 Simple Ways to Reduce Fall Risks at Home

ComForCare encourages clients and families to take proactive steps to reduce at-home fall risks by talking with their primary care physician about these common prevention methods:

• Clear the Clutter: Remove throw rugs and secure loose cords to create clear walking paths. 
• Light the Way: Install nightlights in hallways and bathrooms to improve visibility. 
• Check the Eyes: Ensure your parent’s eyeglass prescription is current; poor vision is a top cause of missteps. 
• Review Medications: Ask a doctor if any prescriptions (or combinations) cause dizziness or drowsiness. 
• Keep Moving: Encourage gentle balance and strength exercises to keep muscles engaged.

When risk factors are not managed properly, it can lead to an unplanned fall. And when falls do happen, we work hard to identify the reasons and develop the right plan for you.

The “Fear of Falling” Cycle

Did you know that the fear of falling can actually increase the risk? When seniors are afraid, they limit their activity. This leads to muscle weakness and reduced balance, which makes a fall more likely. ComForCare caregivers provide the physical support and emotional confidence your parent needs to stay active and mobile.

Gaitway: ComForCare’s Comprehensive Approach to Managing Fall Risk

The goal of the Gaitway program is to:

• Minimize the risk of falls among older adults living at home
• Empower you to understand factors that can lead to an increased risk of falling, as well as tools you can use to reduce your risk
• Educate direct care workers who are helping clients manage their health

During a home safety evaluation, a trained professional will look at things such as:

• Are rugs and runners slip-resistant?
• Is there torn or loose carpeting?
• Is there adequate lighting? 

Schedule a home evaluation:

Our Approach

Our Fall Risk Screening is sourced from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) – the trusted source of proven evidence-based tools for mitigating fall risk. Our program is unique to ensure our clients receive the best possible assessment, taking all factors into consideration.

We have partnered with a practicing physical therapist who is a leading expert on exercise programs for fall prevention.

After your screening, we suggest custom interventions that can help reduce your risk. Our offices are educated on how to assess risk for falls and identify ways to reduce them.

Call ComForCare today for your fall-risk assessment by one or our trained staff members.

Download your FREE Gaitway guide to help you manage your fall risk today.

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and is an equal opportunity employer.