According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury for Americans 65 and older. In fact, 25% of older adults report falling each year, and out of these reports, 37% suffer injuries.
These are unfortunate statistics, but they're not set in stone. In fact, the majority of these falls are preventable, so there are steps you can take to ensure your loved one's risk is low.
Fortunately, Fall Prevention Week is coming up at the end of September, and it's the perfect opportunity to learn and take action. Here are a few senior safety tips you can use in Oroville, CA.
Regarding avoiding falls in older adults, one of the first things you can do is address your loved one's living space. After all, this is where they spend the majority of their time, so if it's safe and secure, their fall risk will decrease dramatically.
The walkways should be clear of:
To keep your beloved senior from overreaching, keep commonly used items within easy reach.
The lighting in their house should be bright but non-glare. Address lighting in the hallways, stairways, and entryways.
You should also add nightlights in the:
Older adults can easily slip on surfaces, so take care to remove or tape down loose rugs. They should have non-slip mats in the bathrooms and kitchens too.
On the stairs, make sure they have sturdy handrails on both sides.
Installing grab bars near the following areas can be useful:
For extra support, consider shower chairs or raised toilet seats.
Regardless of their current health and mobility level, seniors should always focus on their physical health. Without doing so, they can lose strength in their bodies, which can then lead to decreased quality of life and a higher fall risk. Wellness activities support mental health too, so your loved one can only benefit from doing exercises.
Balance exercises for seniors will allow your elderly loved one to feel more confident with each step. Tai chi is a good one, as it teaches gentle movements that enhance balance and coordination.
They can also do exercises at home with no equipment needed. For example, the standing heel-to-toe walk can improve stability and posture. And one-leg stands are great for those who have weaker body strength, as you'll hold onto a sturdy chair for support while balancing.
Building up strength in the lower part of the body is key to fall prevention. Exercises to consider include:
These can all teach your beloved senior to strengthen the muscles needed for walking and standing, as well as getting up and down safely.
In addition to balance and strength, seniors also need flexibility. After all, if your joints aren't limber and are stiff, it's much easier to stumble and fall.
We'd recommend doing gentle stretching at various points of the day. Yoga for seniors is good too, as it helps with breathing as well.
Exemplary mobility safety for seniors means keeping up with medical appointments. Regular communication with medical professionals is essential.
Blurry vision from things as simple as dry eye or hearing loss can affect your loved one's balance. To reduce their fall risk, ensure they update their glasses and hearing aids as needed.
Some prescriptions can cause:
Have your beloved senior ask their doctor to review medications for these side effects. Consider a dosage or time change to accommodate them.
To assess their osteoporosis risk, your loved one should get bone density tests. Blood pressure monitoring can also be useful, as it can help avoid dizziness or fainting episodes.
Older adults should always wear properly fitting, non-slip shoes. Although it may be comfortable, they shouldn't walk in only socks or floppy slippers.
Making lifestyle choices can help your beloved senior reduce their fall risk. In addition, they'll feel healthier and more energetic.
Senior nutrition can have a huge impact on overall health. To strengthen their bones, your loved one should eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.
Plus, they should stay hydrated to prevent dizziness that results from dehydration. The thirst sensation in seniors is blunted, so they have to be proactive about drinking before they feel thirsty.
We already mentioned balance and strength exercises earlier. But in general, the CDC says that older adults need to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. Make sure they incorporate the above exercises we talked about into their daily routines.
Your beloved senior may need assistance getting around. If their doctor recommended that they use a cane or walker, ensure that these assistive devices have been properly fitted by a professional. Otherwise, they can end up hurting themselves.
Don't let pride get the better of them either. Encourage them to use mobility aids when necessary, and that there's no shame in doing so. It's better to feel stable than risk a fall.
Fall Prevention Week is an excellent time to assess your loved one's current conditions. From there, you can help them make the necessary changes to be safer.
But fall prevention awareness is only the start, and it goes beyond just a week. You should keep up-to-date on your senior's living situation, and if you feel like they could benefit from a senior living community, don't hesitate to suggest it to them. They'll be in a safe and secure environment, where staff members take a holistic approach to resident well-being.
Contact us now if you're interested in hearing more about senior living in Oroville, CA. Marbella Oroville offers regular housekeeping and laundry services so our residents can live a stress-free life.