March 9, 2010
COMFORT KEEPERS OF WALLINGFORD, CT WOULD LIKE TO SEE FAMILY CAREGIVERS AND PRIVATE COMPANIONS TRY TO PREVENT FALLS AND ACCIDENTS IN OUR HEALTHY AGING SENIOR CITIZENS HOMES BY REMOVING OBSTACLES AND MAKING MINOR REPAIRS
By Carol Carbutti
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 3 elderly seniors fall every year resulting in 90% of senior citizen hip fractures. Approximately 60% of these aging retirees who fall die from complications. The risk of falling increases with age and falling is the number one cause of injury in adults over 65. These numbers are cause for great concern, but awareness and prevention can help decrease the likelihood of falls in the senior citizen years.
With the healthy aging in home elderly population, it is important to recognize factors that contribute to falls. They include: change in eye site, lack of strength or physical ailments, changes in medication or dosages, poor lighting, stairs, throw rugs, small objects lying around the house, and other risk factors that add to the list.
How can family caregivers and private companions help prevent the risk of falling for your at home senior loved-one? First, caregivers need to assess the living situation. Does the house or apartment have stairs? If possible, opt for housing that is one level or requires little use of stairs. If this is not an option, make sure there are handrails to assist your elderly parent while climbing the stairs. Also, put handrails near the toilet and shower in each bathroom. Next, exchange house slippers for well- gripped shoes, remove loose throw rugs or tape them down, and tack down carpet edges.
Private homemakers will also want to keep all wiring or electrical cords out of walkways and keep living areas well-light. In addition to the aforementioned, make sure all surfaces around the house are even. Homecare professionals may advise family caregiving members to fill any cracks in the sidewalks or driveway and remove unsteady porch swings or benches.
Taking care of your senior loved-one’s health will also decrease the chance of falling. Set up hearing and eye appointments every year to check for changes or any indicators of concern…
Personal care assistants should periodically contact a health professional to review all of their senior clients’ medications. Some medication combinations can make one dizzy or cause other serious issues. Also several medications may be less effective as the body ages.
Finally, consult your aging loved-one’s physician about a regular exercise program. Exercise will increase both strength and stamina, which decreases the likelihood of falls. Physical activity will also help improve your healthy aging senior citizens coordination and balance.
With age comes the risk of falls and falls can lead to serious injury or death. Improving you’re their health and being aware of potential hazards will help ease the mind of you or your elderly loved-one.
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