I’d rather leap down a flight of stairs blind-folded than to watch an elder fall. Falling is a very embarrassing experience for anybody and especially harmful to our seniors. As we age our bones become fragile and can break with ease. Once a bone gets broken such as a hipbone, it is all down hill from there. They may never fully recover. A senior falling can be the equivalent of a death sentence.
Almost half of our thoroughbred Americans fall every year. This statistic is way too high and needs to be lowered. By taking preventive measures we can greatly reduce this number.
Female caregivers have a disadvantage when caring for the elderly. As I was visiting some caregiver support groups I noticed some women caregivers were having trouble lifting their loved ones when they fall. They were pondering to rent a hoist because they weren’t strong enough to lift them. I suggested they search for some walking aids to prevent the falls.
Below are some useful tips that will assist you in preventing elders from falling.
1) Make sure they have a high protein diet to strengthen muscles.
2) Buy them a good pair of running shoes with good arch support.
3) Install high watt light bulbs so they can see better (As we age our eyes require more light.)
4) Ensure they have a good diet and take vitamins for proper nourishment.
5) Remove lamps because elders have a tendency to reach for items to stabilize themselves and lamps easily fall. (Install overhead lights)
6) Install night-lights in the bedroom and bathroom.
7) Assist them walking every opportunity you can.
8) Elevate their legs with a footstool so blood doesn’t linger there.
9) Install ledges or rails on wall areas where they often feel unsteady.
10) Get them a walker or other assistance.
11) Make the home handicap accessible. (Handicap showers have no ledges to climb over and offer a seat)
12) Inspect home for loose thresholds, moving rugs or other falling hazards.
13) Keep their ears clean to enable balance. (Consult your Doctor)
14) Be certain they have proper vision aids to see where they are going.
15) Encourage them to stretch their legs at times by bending over.
16) Rub their legs with lotion and massage those muscles to stimulate them.
17) Monitor their diet so they do not become overweight.
18) Offer them Tylenol to prevent aching muscles and bones.
19) Eliminate clutter and any unsafe or unneeded items for clear pathways.
20) Constantly search for ways to prevent falling before it happens.
By taking some of the steps above we can prevent many seniors from falling and allow them to keep on trucking. Christmas is coming soon and would be a perfect time to have granny sporting around in her new tennis shoes. Lets allow our seniors to safely enjoy their lives.
