Preventing Senior Falls with an In-Home Care Professional

What Every Caregiver in Vancouver, BC, Needs to Know About Preventing Senior Falls
Preventing Senior Falls | Falls present one of the most common health risks for older adults, leading to thousands of long-term hospitalizations every year. While something like falling may be relatively harmless for younger adults, for seniors over 65, it can be devastating, both physically and financially.
Preventing Senior Falls: Why Are Some More Prone to Falling?
The risk of sustaining a serious injury by falling increases as people age. There are many reasons for this, here are the top six:
Reason #1:
Biological changes associated with aging; muscle weakness, poor vision, osteoporosis, balance and mobility issues, or other physical limitations
Reason #2:
Prescription medications that cause side effects and affect agility and gait
Reason #3:
Inadequate or poor diet
Reason #4:
Sedentary lifestyle
Reason #5:
Alcohol abuse
Reason #6:
Environmental factors that can make a senior’s home more hazardous:
- Poor lighting
- Uneven flooring
- Loose carpets and cords
- Lack of handrails on the staircase or in the bathroom.
In addition, habits and behaviours also play a major role in senior falls. Older adults who feel confident about performing strenuous activities can be hurt. Activities like climbing ladders, pruning trees, mowing grass, or shovelling snow can be risky.
Preventing Senior Falls: How Can Caregivers Help?
The risk of falling can be reduced when home modifications are made. Reminding seniors of what to look out for in their surroundings to avoid falling. As a family caregiver, you might want to take the initiative and assess your loved one’s current physical agility and lifestyle.
Preventing Senior Falls
To prevent falls, encourage your mom or dad to introduce certain changes into their daily routine such as:
- Adopting a senior-friendly exercise regimen that focuses on improving mobility and balance
- Eating a healthy diet and staying well-hydrated throughout the day
- Reviewing medications with a healthcare professional to identify those that cause dizziness or blurred senses
- Reducing or completely avoiding alcohol consumption
- Using assistive devices like canes or walkers
On top of that, make sure to thoroughly inspect your loved one’s home and eliminate potential fall hazards such as clutter, loose cords, or uneven floorboards. Another great idea is to install grab bars in the bathroom and additional light fixtures throughout the house.
The Best Senior Home Care Provider in Vancouver, BC, is Comfort Keepers®
Many families prefer Comfort Keepers® when arranging senior home care services for a loved one in or around Vancouver, British Columbia.
If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. Comfort Keepers Vancouver also provides home care services like respite care, overnight care, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care, personal care, and more!
Comfort Keepers® Vancouver Can Help with Companion Care and Interactive Caregiving™
Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Comfort Keeper’s philosophy is to elevate the human spirit, and our caregivers ensure your loved one experiences a better quality of life.
Trained caregivers help provide our senior clients with personal home care to help maintain the highest possible quality of life, keeping them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ delivers a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).
Bring The Best Home Care Assistance for Seniors Right Where You Live with Comfort Keepers®
Comfort Keepers® Vancouver is proud to provide elder care in homes throughout Vancouver, keeping seniors safe in their homes. We provide home care for the seniors of Vancouver and the surrounding areas of Burnaby, Langley, Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, New Westminster, and Abbotsford. Please call (604) 689-8609.
Personal Care and Senior Homecare in Vancouver, BC
Learn more about our unique service, which offers personal care, companionship care, palliative and end-of-life care. Contact the Comfort Keepers® Vancouver office today.