What Are the Keys to Preventing Falls?

By Julie McCormick, Co-Owner | February 15, 2018 | Comments Off on What Are the Keys to Preventing Falls?

Falling is a leading cause of serious injury for elderly people.

If you’re concerned that your aging family member might be vulnerable to falling, then you might want to pay attention to some of these factors. Many are simple fixes that you can tackle in an afternoon.

 

Home Health Care in Fairfax County VA: Preventing Falls

Home Health Care in Fairfax County VA: Preventing Falls

 

Get Rid of Anything that Can Trip Someone

Any items that can create a tripping hazard need to be removed. This even includes furniture if there’s too much of it for your aging family member to move safely throughout her home. Finding a new location for some of these items may be irritating for your senior, but it’s essential.

 

Keep the Home Well Lit

When the lighting isn’t as strong as it could be, then your elderly family member can’t see obstacles. If she can’t see obstacles, she can’t avoid them. So the key here is to do a thorough assessment of the lighting in your senior’s home and add lighting or improve the existing lighting.

 

Hand Rails Are Essential

Grab bars and handrails are vital when it comes to giving your senior stability. Anywhere that she might need to have an extra railing is a good place for one. Bathrooms, hallways, stairways, and anywhere else you have wall space are good spots.

 

Rearrange Some Things

One unexpected way that your elderly family member can create a situation in which she falls is by trying to get to something that she uses often that is inconveniently stored. Start doing an assessment of the items your aging family member uses and figure out if there’s a better way to store them. Senior care providers can help you to reorganize busy spaces.

 

Footwear Means a Lot

Take a look at your senior’s footwear. If she’s not wearing shoes or her footwear is slippery or unstable, then it can contribute to a fall. Take the time to locate some comfortable, sturdy footwear that can keep your elderly family member upright and safe as she walks through her home. If your elderly family member hasn’t had her feet measured in a while, make sure that you get them measured so you can get the right size shoes.

You may also want to talk to your elderly family member’s doctor about other factors that specifically influence her risk for falling. Once you know what else to watch out for, you’ve got a solid plan that can keep her as safe as possible.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Health Care in Fairfax County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 634-9991.

Julie McCormick, Co-Owner
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Posted in Caregiver in Fairfax County VA, Elder Care in Fairfax County VA, Home Health Care in Fairfax County VA and tagged , ,