Senior Safety: Reducing the Risk of Falls

Senior Safety  |  August 1, 2019

What Every Senior in Vancouver, BC Needs to Know About Fall Risk Reduction

Risk of Falls | For seniors, falls can have a distressing physical and psychological impact. They often result in disability, chronic pain, loss of independence, reduced quality of life, and even death. Since falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults, preventing these accidents can help seniors stay independent.  Injuries caused by falls can have lasting physical effects which prevent seniors from enjoying the same lifestyle and activities they are used to.

Falls are often caused by various health issues such as muscle weakness, heart disease, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease, malnutrition, low blood pressure, poor vision, ear infections or inflammation and pain or sensitivity in the legs or feet. However, there are some ways seniors and their loved ones can reduce the likelihood of a fall.

Reduce the Risk of Falls

• Minimize trip hazards – While most families are aware of obvious fall hazards such as stairs, slippery shower floors or cords other less obvious features can easily cause an accident. These can include loose rugs, certain types of carpeting or poorly lit hallways. Removing these hazards as well as installing safety devices, can prevent accidents from happening.
• Evaluate footwear– Shoes that don’t fit properly, are worn out or have a slippery bottom can often lead to balance issues. Luckily, nowadays there is a variety of safe footwear that can fit any activity and personal style.
• Know the effects of medication– Most seniors take several medications throughout the day. However, specific meds have side effects that cause dizziness. Talking to a healthcare professional and becoming aware of these side effects can help.
• Nutrition and exercise– Eating nutritious meals and exercising regularly can prevent weakness in the legs and feet, and reduce pain. Seniors should talk to their health provider about any diet and exercise plan, and understand how these things affect their fall risk factors.
• Focus on mental health – Research shows that there is a connection between depression in seniors and falls. Mental can not only improve many areas of a senior’s life, but it can also reduce fall risk. Leading an active life, staying connected to loved ones and having a sense of purpose can boost both physical and mental quality of life.

Unfortunately, some families start thinking about fall prevention only when an injury has already occurred. Taking precautions before an accident happens can significantly improve one’s quality of life and help them maintain their independence.

Comfort Keepers® is the Best Senior Home Care Provider in Vancouver, BC

Comfort Keepers® is the preferred choice for many families when arranging senior home care services for a loved one in or around Vancouver. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care, End of Life Care, Respite Care, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

Comfort Keepers®’s trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. Learn more about our unique service which offers personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers® Vancouver office.

Comfort Keepers® Brings You The Best Home Care Assistance Right Where You Live.

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver is proud to provide home care throughout Vancouver that keeps seniors safe in their homes. We provide home care for the seniors of Vancouver and the surrounding areas of Burnaby, Langley, Maple Ridge, and Richmond please call (604) 689-8609. 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers® offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada.

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