Home Care Helps Protect Seniors Against Falls

Home Care Helps Protect Seniors Against Falls

According to a recent report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, each year one third of all elderly adults experience a fall. Falls are responsible for more fatal injuries among seniors than any other cause. And seniors who wish to stay in their own homes have good reason to be concerned about falling: 10% of fall injuries are serious enough to require nursing home admittance. Especially when falls result in hip fracture, a permanent loss of independence can follow.

Though the facts may sound sobering, the good news is that many falls can be prevented. Seniors and loved ones can take steps to reduce the risk. But family members often worry that their loved one could be unsafe while home alone. Many families choose in-home care services to provide an extra measure of confidence in their loved one's well being.

It's good to know that if your loved one were to experience a fall, a home health aide would be at hand to ensure quick assistance. But even more important, a home health aide can help prevent your loved one from falling. The American Medical Association recently pointed out three important steps to lower the risk; an in-home health aide can be a real asset to help your loved one take those steps:

1. Participate in an exercise program that includes muscle strengthening and balance training. As we age, we lose 20 to 40 percent of our muscle tissue, and become less limber. But at any age, even moderate activity can make a marked difference in muscle strength. A professional in-home caregiver can transport your loved one to prescribed exercise classes, and if a home exercise program is recommended, the caregiver's presence helps your loved one feel more secure and motivated.

2. Inspect the home for hazards, and make modifications for an extra measure of safety. Did you know that over half of all falls take place right in the person's home? Caregivers are trained to look for hazards such as clutter, throw rugs and inadequate lighting. Caregivers can also perform housekeeping tasks such as cleaning up spills quickly and clearing ice and snow from walkways.

3. Manage medications. Medications help protect against falls by treating conditions that increase a person's risk of falling, such as arthritis, osteoporosis and low blood pressure. But side effects of some medications, such as dizziness, fatigue, confusion or weakness, can actually put seniors at greater risk of falling. The in-home caregiver can remind your loved one to take medications on time and in the way they are supposed to be taken, and will be alert to possible side effects.

Professional caregivers are also trained in the special issues of seniors with mobility challenges or dementia. A little extra help with personal tasks such as bathing and going to the toilet, an extra set of eyes and ready arm when your loved one is descending the stairs, encouragement to eat well, and extra confidence to stay active and engaged are all ways home care can help protect against falls.

Fall prevention is a team effort involving your loved one, healthcare provider and your family. A trained in-home caregiver can be another valuable member of the team, providing an extra measure of safety for your loved one and increased peace of mind for family.



Source: Right at Home Newsletter