Falling doesn’t have to be a predetermined concern of aging. Not everyone who ages will need to worry about falling, but it is often the one fear that most caregivers have. Especially caregivers whose loved ones are still living independently and perhaps alone in their homes. They can find that they worry almost obsessively about their elderly loved one falling when they are not there. Knowing what medical conditions may increase the risk of falling can help caregivers know whether they need to be more aggressive in their tactics to reduce the risk of falling by making changes to the home.
What medical conditions increase the risk of falling
While anyone can fall at any time, if your loved one has any of these medical conditions, they could put her at a higher risk of losing her balance and sustaining an injury from a fall.
Poor eyesight can make it more difficult for her to see trip hazards, increasing the risk that she might trip and fall over something unseen on the ground or not notice a ground-level change like a slight step or dip on the floor.
Cognitive diseases such as dementia can increase your loved one’s chance of becoming confused and making rushed movements that lead to a fall.
Age-related muscle loss. Everyone loses muscle as they age, so it’s more important than ever that your loved one continues to be active to retain as much muscle mass as possible. Without strong muscles, she might be more likely to fall when attempting to get up from a seated position or use her arms for support.
Blood pressure or blood sugar levels. Medical conditions that affect the body’s ability to maintain blood pressure or blood sugar levels. When these areas are not stable, they can often lead to dizziness or vertigo, causing balance issues.
Bathroom urgency. Medical conditions that cause a person to rush to the bathroom. A sudden need to use the bathroom may make your loved one less careful and cause her to trip or stumble as she rushes to use the facilities.
Foot problems. If her feet have nerve damage and cannot feel the ground beneath them, she may not know if she’s on unstable ground.
Five Tips for Fall Prevention
- Get routine eye, ear, and health checks to ensure your loved one is at her best and to keep prescriptions updated.
- Review any medicines that your loved one may start taking to see if dizziness or vertigo is a side effect so you can be prepared for that change in balance abilities.
- Keep the home clutter-free. Even if your loved one doesn’t have a medical condition that increases her risk of falling, having a floor full of dirty clothes, loose rugs, or cords strewn across walking areas can increase the risk of falling for anyone.
- Help her stay physically active so that her body more easily adjusts to a sudden change in balance.
- Promote eating well and sleeping well to keep the body alert and refreshed throughout the day and reduce the possibility of a fall due to unstable sugar spikes or an overly tired body and mind.
By knowing what increases the risk of falls and taking some preventive measures around your loved one’s home, you can worry less about her falling when you’re not there.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Medical Conditions Services in Great Neck NY, please contact the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call (631) 424-7827
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Long Island and in NYC including Dix Hills, Floral Park, Great Neck, Huntington, Manhasset, Massapequa, Northport, Plainview, Rockville Center, Stony Brook, Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Queens County.
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