The CDC says that every year, over 14 million adults over the age of 65 report that they've fallen. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults, making these occurrences costly.
If you're concerned about your elderly loved one in Cedar Park, TX, then get peace of mind knowing that there are fall prevention interventions available. With the right measures in place, seniors can lead a safer and more fulfilling life, and you can rest easy knowing that a trip and a fall aren't just around the corner.
Curious about how you can safeguard your loved one? Then keep reading. Here are the key interventions you should implement.
One of the most effective ways to prevent falls in older adults is to make small adjustments around the house. This is important even for independent living safety, as even able-bodied seniors can trip and suffer a fall with serious injuries.
Start by removing clutter, loose rugs, or electrical cords from walking paths. If your loved one has pets in your living space, ensure that they have their own spot and that their toys and supplies aren't all over the place.
Other ideas are:
When avoiding falls in seniors, it's essential to have sharp vision and hearing. Naturally, these senses may get duller as we get older, but that just makes it more important to stay on top of regular checks. Without them, poor eyesight can make it difficult to spot obstacles, and hearing loss can affect spatial awareness and balance.
Make sure your loved one schedules annual eye exams to ensure their prescription is current. And regular hearing tests are needed too, to catch any early changes.
A combination of corrective lenses, hearing aids, or updated treatments can significantly improve safety and confidence when moving around.
Regular exercise is already vital for older adults since physical fitness is directly correlated to their overall well-being. But physical activity for seniors can help maintain their strength, coordination, and balance too, which are key in preventing falls.
Activities seniors should try include:
Balance exercises for seniors can improve stability, so have your beloved senior stand on one leg or do heel-to-toe walking. Just 20-30 minutes a day of low-impact movement can be helpful.
According to the AARP, 89% of older adults take prescription medications. Unfortunately, some of these medications may have bad side effects, like:
If your loved one is on any medications, they should have medication reviews with their doctor (including both prescriptions and over-the-counter meds). The doctor may be able to make adjustments, prescribe alternatives, or make dosage changes to help reduce side effects.
To help out, keep a current list of medications and note any balance-related issues after your senior starts a new prescription.
It may seem obvious, but shoes play a crucial role in stability. One of our best senior safety tips is for them to wear well-fitting, non-slip shoes with good support.
They should avoid wearing slippers, high heels, or smooth-soled footwear. In addition, while walking around the house, they shouldn't do so in just socks.
Foot health is also crucial; regular check-ups with a podiatrist can identify issues like:
Addressing these issues will make it easier to walk, and your loved one will be more balanced too.
They should also keep their toenails trimmed and feet comfortable.
Doing fall prevention exercises is great for seniors, but they have to be careful with hydration and nutrition, especially when they're being active. Dehydration and poor nutrition can cause:
To prevent the falls that can happen from the above, older adults need to stay properly hydrated throughout the day. They should also eat a healthy diet that includes:
Vitamin D is also essential for bone health. You can get it from sunlight and certain foods, or you can take supplements.
When your loved one stays nourished, this will help them maintain energy and steadiness.
Walking for seniors can be much safer with assistive devices, such as:
The device must be properly fitted though, as well as used correctly. Otherwise, your loved one may do more harm than good.
You can help by making sure the rubber tips on canes or walkers are in good condition and that your senior's walking aids are kept within easy reach. You should also reiterate that using assistive devices isn't a sign of weakness; instead, it's a way to maintain independence and reduce fall risks.
Rushing often leads to accidents, so encourage your loved one to move at a comfortable pace as part of effective fall prevention activities. This is especially important when they're:
Pausing for even a moment before moving allows older adults to adjust their bodies and reduce dizziness from sudden changes in position. So remind your beloved senior to take their time. You can also offer them support when navigating tricky areas, like curbs, stairs, or crowded spaces.
If you're worried about your loved one suffering a fall, then be proactive about their safety. With effective fall prevention interventions, you can ensure that your beloved senior is safe in their house, is taking good care of themselves, and feels confident about moving around.
But if you feel like they need more assistance, relocating to a senior living community can be good. The apartments are designed especially for older adults, and they'll be well taken care of by compassionate staff.
Get in touch with us now for more information on senior living in Cedar Park, TX. Highland Estates Senior Living has a stylish dining room where our residents enjoy restaurant-style table service and chef-prepared meals that are made-from-scratch daily.