The home is supposed to be a safe haven and a place of comfort, but it can also be a hazardous place, especially for older adults with mobility issues. For frail seniors, a fall can be a devastating, even life-changing, event. According to NIH Senior Health, more than 1.6 million older adults in the US are admitted to the emergency room each year due to fall-related injuries. Falls are the number one cause of fractures, hospital admissions for trauma, loss of independence, and injury-related deaths among seniors, which is why preventing falls is extremely important. Being cautious as you walk is good, but preventing dangerous falls takes much more than caution, especially for frail individuals.
Being physically fit and strong is the best way to help prevent falls. According to Judy A. Stevens of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for those older adults who do fall, “If you’re in better physical condition, you’re less likely to be injured.” Regular exercise, including balance drills, can help seniors gain the muscle strength needed to prevent a fall.
This article provides some helpful tips on how to help older loved ones stay strong and safe in the home, including:
- Practicing Tai Chi to improve balance and gait
- Integrating balancing exercises into daily routines
- Consulting your loved one’s physician to see if medications may be causing dizziness or loss of balance
- Removing tripping hazards such as rugs from the home
The caregivers at Heaven at Home can work with your loved one’s doctor to develop strength-building exercise routines to help strengthen muscles and improve balance in order to prevent falls. Contact our home care office in Denton, TX to learn more about our services and how we can create a safer home environment for your older loved ones.