As we age, many factors can contribute to our risk of falls. Do you have a senior loved one who has impaired vision or muscle weakness? Do they live alone? If you answered yes to any of the above, your loved one is at a higher risk of falling and seriously injuring themselves. Falls can have long-term effects on one’s health and independence.
Check out these 5 ways to take action to protect your loved one and reduce the risk of falls:
1. Vision
Visual impairments can happen no matter our age. But seniors rely on their vision even more so to help them get around their environment safely. Being able to see things clearly, especially while walking helps to keep our loved ones safe.
2. Muscle Weakness
One of the primary causes of falls in seniors is muscle weakness. It’s no surprise that as we get older, our bones become more brittle, increasing risks of falling and causing serious injury. However, exercising and a healthy diet can help reduce the chances of falls.
3. Lighting
Lighting plays an important part of being able to see clearly, especially at night. Improving the lighting around your home is imperative. Better lighting can help your loved one see better, thereby helping them move around their home without fear of falling.
4. Handrails
The elderly often have problems maintaining their balance. The home has many areas that could benefit from the use of handrails, including staircases and bathrooms. It’s important that handrails are installed in the shower and near the toilet. Additionally, if the home has long hallways, grab bars or handrails should be installed to help maintain balance.
Lighting plays an important part of being able to see clearly, especially at night.
Improving the lighting around your home is imperative.
5. Declutter
Clutter is one of the main causes of falling in aging adults. Clothes on the floor, rugs, piles of “collectibles” can easily cause hazardous conditions. Reduce the risk by decluttering your home. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask friends, neighbors, or family members.
Following these tips to reduce falls in seniors can make all the difference in the world. Making minor changes to keep you and your loved one safe at home is simple. Take the time to help reduce the risk of trips, slips, and falls.
Avanti Senior Living ‘s #1 goal is to keep our residents safe. Our design is specially created to do just that. We have an innovative nurse call system, wheelchair accessibility, flat carpet, natural lighting, and handrails throughout our community to keep our residents safe and secure.
