Personal safety for senior loved ones is of
paramount importance. Nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits
occur due to at home falls every year, with falls and fall-related
injuries the leading cause of hospitalization and death among seniors.
Loved ones who survive falls are more susceptible to the onset of other
fall-related injuries that can potentially limit mobility, independence,
and safety. Senior falls also impose burdens on their families.
Unfortunately many seniors are reluctant to
take fall prevention actions or precautions in their home. Individuals
with a lack of knowledge face a higher possibility of experiencing a fall
at home, and the devastating consequences that follow. Falls are the
primary cause of serious injury and can affect your loved one’s
independence, leading to health problems, complications, and sometimes
even death. Fall prevention education, fall prevention measures, and
senior care in homes can help senior loved ones avoid many risks, and live
longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Senior care providers can help “fall proof”
homes so seniors can avoid injuries. More than half of all nonfatal falls
occur in the home, indicating there is a need for fall prevention measures
in home environments. Personal safety is an issue for seniors who may have
trouble accomplishing easy tasks, such as getting out of bed, getting
dressed, or walking. Doorways become challenging, and stairs almost
impossible. Other personal injuries often result from short-term memory
difficulties—a loved one may forget a pot on the stove, under or overdose
on prescription pills, or any other number of circumstances. Physical
limitations from injuries often result in dehydration, malnutrition, and
other nutritional deficiencies.
Senior Care providers are a great alternative
for elderly loved ones who wish to live on their own, but are in a
position where an accident may happen. Pay special attention to an elderly
loved one’s lifestyle and identify which changes or additions may benefit
their well-being. A senior care provider can also suggest many personal
safety and living space safety alternatives.
Simple Senior Care Safety Tips
1.
Install grab bars near the bed, near the toilet,
shower and other strategic places throughout your loved one’s living
space.
2.
Raise the height of their bed if it’s low—they’ll
have an easier time getting out.
3.
It’s critical to improve household lighting—this
will reduce the possibility of falling and stumbling.
4.
Discuss with your senior loved one pet
options—companionship is good, but personal safety is important.
5.
A senior care provider will help remove obstacles
from floors and counters.
6.
Installing turn table shelving in cabinets is also
handy.
Senior care can help ensure the safety of
your loved ones, taking consideration of their mental health, physical,
and cognitive challenges and changes. Senior care is one option for aging
parents and loved ones as it allows them to remain safely in their homes
as long as possible—caregivers visit as needed and take care of everyday
tasks and services, including cleaning, running regular errands (cleaning
and stocking the refrigerator), managing doctor’s appointments, and
accident proofing your loved one’s home. These small steps of senior care
can really ease the burden on your loved one and make a big difference in
their quality of life.
About the Author: Erica Ronchetti is a freelance writer
for Visiting Angels, the nation's leading, network of non-medical, private
duty home care agencies providing
senior care, elder care, personal care, respite care and companion
care to help the elderly and adults continue to live in their homes across
America. Visit the Visiting Angels website to find out more information on
senior home care.