It’s estimated that one in four Americans over the age of 65 fall each year. In fact, falls are the top cause of nonfatal and fatal injuries in seniors.
Falls often cause head injuries, broken bones, hip fractures, and other issues. Also, falls without major injuries may cause an older adults to become depressed or fearful and prevent them from remaining active.
While falls can be devastating for some seniors, there are some tips you can use to help protect your senior loved one from a fall. Keep reading to learn more.
Find Out Their Concerns
It’s a good idea to ask your senior loved one if they are worried about falling. Some older adults know falling is a risk, but they don’t think it will happen to them, or if it does, they don’t think they will be hurt – even if they have fallen before.
If your senior loved one is worried about balance, dizziness, or falling, talk to their doctor. They can assess the risk and make suggestions on services that can help.
Talk About Underlying Health Issues
It’s important to find out if your senior loved one has any issues managing their health. For example, do they forget to take their medicine? Are they having side effects? Is it more becoming challenging for them to do the things they used to?
You should also make sure they take advantage of the preventative benefits offered by Medicare, like Annual Wellness visits. Make sure they are comfortable speaking openly with their doctor about any issues or concerns they have.
Find Out When Their Last Eye Checkup Was
Does your older love one wear glasses? If so, be sure they have a current prescription and that they use their glasses as recommended by their eye doctor. It can be dangerous for them to use a tint-changing lens when going from outside to inside. Bifocals may also be problematic for use on stairs, which means it’s important to stay cautious. If your senior loved one is dealing with vision issues, it’s a good idea to consult with their eye doctor to see what options are available for them.
Notice if They Have Trouble Walking
Have you noticed your senior loved one is holding onto walls, furniture, or someone else when they walk? Do they have trouble moving or getting up from a sitting position?
If so, these are signs they may need to go to a physical therapist. With this medical service, your senior loved one can start to improve their gait, strength, and balance.
Preventing Falls for Your Senior Loved One
If you want to make sure your senior loved one doesn’t fall or suffer an injury, be sure to keep the tips and information here in mind. Doing this will pay off and help ensure your family member stays as safe as possible. Be sure to keep the tips above in mind; they will pay off and provide you with peace of mind.
