It is dangerous for anyone who slips and falls down the stairs or onto a hard surface, but for senior citizens the impact is far more detrimental. Loved ones are often extremely concerned about preventing their family members from falling while they are alone or with them in their homes, and recent studies have found that there might be more ways to do this rather than simply keeping the pathways clear. Our home care professionals will take every effort to ensure that your loved ones in the Irvine and Orange County area have a safe living space and stay physically fit, so they can maintain a sense of control and balance.
Tips for Preventing Falls at the Home
Remove Obstacles
First and foremost, make sure that all major obstacles are cleared out of the way. Remove items that might not be seen immediately by the person living in the home and could pose a tripping hazard. Most decor items should be removed from the floor, and pet bowls should be moved out of the way as much as possible. Try to make sure the stairs are clear at all times, and do not pile up with items that need to be taken up or down.
Minimize Need to Use Stairs
Try to minimize the number of trips up and down the stairs your loved one has to take. Ensure that they have everything they need on the main level, so they are not forced to go up and down their stairs two, three or four times a day.
Maintain Diet and Exercise
Help them maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. A well-balanced diet will help keep their weight under control. When a person gains weight, it is more difficult for them to maintain their balance, while walking or climbing the stairs. A good, nutritional diet and exercise routine developed by your home care providers will ensure the patient is taking the proper measures in order to help prevent a fall in the future.
Beneficial Physical Activity
Promote activities that help them maintain a proper weight distribution. Something as simple as walking around the block can be a huge help in allowing a senior citizen to maintain their balance and weight distribution. In effect, it allows them to practice shifting their weight and trains them to act in the right way when they feel themselves losing their balance.
We recognize the importance of keeping your family members and loved ones safe and healthy. As care providers, we want to promote activities and diet plans that not only keep them feeling well physically but allow them to flourish mentally at the same time. If seniors are scared to move around their own home, they will feel trapped and frustrated. By working with them on a regular basis and eliminating their insecurity about falling in the home, we can allow them to live a better, happier life. It keeps them safe, affords them their much-needed independence and will prevent them from falling along the way.