Senior Care in Stonybrook NY
One of the most common reasons for hospitalization of the elderly results from falls. As caregivers, one of the most important aspects of senior care is being aware of the dangers that may be present in the home of your elderly parents. Preventing falls in the home is essential to ensure the best quality of life and independence for your elderly parent.
Senior Care and Preventing Falls
More than half of all falls among the elderly occur because of hazards in the home. Some of the ways to reduce the risk of falls include:
- De-cluttering-daily life can make it extremely easy for clutter to build-up, but piles of newspapers, clothes, shoes and books can contribute to the risk for falls in your elderly parent. Although all thoroughfares should be clear, it is especially important to de-clutter main routes, such as from the bedroom to the bathroom and into the kitchen.
- Avoid placing area rugs in hallways and other major thoroughfares. Area rugs that are used in any area of the home should be taped down to prevent slipping or tripping over a buckling or rolling rug. Secure all loose edges of carpet with nonskid tape.
- Nonslip mats should be used in the bathroom and kitchen. It is common for water to get on the floor in both of these rooms. Nonslip mats near the bathtub/shower and all sinks will help to reduce the risk of falls on a wet floor.
- Install good lighting throughout the home and place night lights in stairwells and hallways. It is common for elderly people to make frequent trips to the bathroom, especially at night. So, a great step in senior care is to reduce tripping hazards by placing night lights in hallways leading to the bathroom.
- Safety supports go a long way in senior care and preventing falls. Installing grab bars in the bathroom will help prevent slipping and falling while getting in and out of the shower as well as sitting down and standing up from the toilet.
- If there are stairs in the home, including exterior steps that lead inside, adding contrasting color strips will help prevent falls, especially for those who have a problem with depth perception.
As a caregiver of your elderly parents, it is essential to do everything in your power to safeguard their home and prevent the risk of falls. However, it is virtually impossible to guarantee that they will never fall. If you have taken all of the precautions to prevent the risk of your elderly parent falling, but you still have concerns, especially if they live alone, consider hiring a senior care provider to spend time with your parent when you are unable to be there.
If you or an aging loved one are in need of senior care services in Stonybrook, NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!
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