If you have elderly parents, it is likely that you are worried about them falling. Unfortunately, the risk of falling increases as someone gets older. Falls can cause broken bones, head injuries, hip fractures, or even worse. The good news is that there are ways in which you can help to reduce the risk of falls in your aging parents.
Talk About Their Health Conditions
Does your parent have an eye condition that throws off their balance? Do they have arthritis or another condition that causes them a lot of pain? If so, it may be time to talk to them about their health conditions. These conditions may be increasing their risk of falls. The more they are aware of these situations and risks, the more likely they will be to take more caution when they are walking or moving around.
Talk to Their Doctor About a Cane or Walker
It may be difficult to think about, but your aging parents may need a cane or a walker to get around. If they have already fallen or they are walking around holding walls or furniture, they may need some assistance getting around. Their doctor can talk to them about using and prescribing a cane or walker to help them move around a bit easier.
Medication Changes
The first note to make on this is that medication changes should never occur without the approval of the prescribing doctor. With this being said, some of the medications your parents are taking may be causing them to feel dizzy or off-balance. This may be increasing their risk of falls. Talk to your parents about the side effects they may be experiencing due to their medications and talk to their doctor about it, as well.
Hire a Home Care Services Aide
As your parents age, they may need to have a home care services worker to help them out. The home care services aide can help them get around their home if they are having a tough time moving. This worker can also get things for them, so they don’t have to get up quite as often. Both these things can help to reduce the risk of falls for your parents.
Check on the Safety of Their Home
It may also be helpful for you to check on the safety of your parent’s home. Check the lighting to make sure your parents can see properly. Check their surroundings to make sure there aren’t any items lying around that they might trip on.
If you want to reduce the risk of falls for your parents, there are many ways you can do this. As you have read here, you can help your parents to stay safe in their own home and when they go to other places, as well. They may need a home care services provider to assist them from time to time, but that is alright, too.
Sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures
If you or an aging loved one are in need of Home Care Services in Dix Hills 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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