According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of death among seniors age 65 and older. If you have a senior relative that lives alone, it is a good idea to talk to them about fall prevention. If they are unwilling to listen to you, sometimes a professional that provides in-home senior care can help educate your loved one.
While there is no way to prevent falls 100 percent, there are a few simple tips that you can provide your loved one with to help reduce their risk of falling:
- Don’t Rush – Everyone today is always rushing, which eliminates the chance of taking careful precautions. Encourage your senior relative to slow down, avoid carrying heavy items and position their body carefully to ensure an easier time walking and taking the stairs.
- Wear Good Shoes – The shoes that a senior wears also play a vital role in their stability. Choose those that have good support and proper tread to avoid slipping. The shoes should fit securely and be easy to get on to avoid seniors from avoiding wearing shoes and walking in stocking feet, which leads to more slips and falls.
- Watch Medication Side Effects – Some medications cause drowsiness or a feeling of imbalance. If this is the case, it is a good idea to have professional senior care in the home to supervise your loved one while on medication.
- Remove Obstacles – Sometimes it simply takes an inspection of a senior’s home to determine any risks of falling. Remove all clutter, hide cords and look for rugs or flooring that is not securely attached to the floor that could either slip or cause a senior to trip and suffer a serious fall.
