Let’s Talk About Fall (Prevention, That Is)

Fall is a lovely time of year, but there’s another kind of fall that isn’t so lovely. According to the CDC, every 20 minutes a senior dies from a fall, and millions more are injured and hospitalized. And for the elderly, even a minor fall can result in major complications, including fractures or head traumas.

At Certified Home Care of Georgia, the safety and wellbeing of the seniors in our care is always our top priority. To help keep your senior loved ones safe this fall, and throughout the year, keep these tips in mind:

1. Create a fall prevention plan. Start with a visit to your loved one’s physician to review current medications being taken (both prescription and over-the-counter), details of any previous falls or near-falls, and health conditions that could contribute to a fall. The doctor may recommend medication adjustments, and may also check muscle strength, balance and other physical factors to assist in creating a plan to prevent falls.
2. Encourage physical activity. If your senior loved one fears a potential fall, he or she may balk at the idea of exercise. However, staying active is actually one of the best ways to improve balance, strength, and coordination. The doctor can recommend appropriate activities, or refer the senior to a physical therapist to customize an exercise program.
3. Go shoe shopping. Treat your loved one to a shoe shopping excursion and have him or her properly fitted for sturdy, nonskid footwear. Then go through the shoe closet and purge anything with slick soles, floppy, poorly fitted slippers, flip flops, etc.
4. Perform a home safety assessment. Many homes are laden with safety hazards that at first glance go undetected. A simple walkthrough with an eye for things that might trip someone up, such as cords, low coffee tables, plant stands, loose rugs and floorboards, etc. can go a long way towards fall prevention. Also ensure that adequate lighting is available and easily accessible throughout the home.
5. Incorporate assistive aids. Adding grab bars near the toilet and tub, handrails on both sides of stairs, a raised toilet seat, and utilizing a cane or walker can all reduce fall risks. The doctor may also recommend the services of an occupational therapist for additional fall prevention strategies.

To learn more about keeping your senior loved one safe from falls, contact the professionals on our Georgia home care team at Certified Home Care of Georgia. Our fully trained and screened caregivers are standing by and ready to help with safe ambulation and transferring to prevent falls, as well as a full range of in-home care services, including light housekeeping, meal preparation, help with personal hygiene, running errands, nursing care and so much more. Call us at 770-635-8042 any time to learn more or to schedule a free in-home assessment!