Adult falls are always horrible to hear about and even more so when it turns out that they could’ve been prevented. Often, these accidents lead to a lot of complications in elderly patients’ conditions, which is why many people advocate for consistent and high-quality senior health services. Having the necessary assistance in place helps avoid adult falls completely.
Many think that falls are natural as you get older, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The elderly shouldn’t have to suffer from such accidents. Luckily, there are preventative measures you or your loved ones can take to ensure they won’t happen. Here are some of them:
Try to Stay Active Daily
With every year you age, it becomes even more important to stay physically active. Working on your strength and range of motion can aid you to become more independent, and regular exercises are an excellent way to boost your mood.
Even if you’ve never considered yourself an active person, it’s never too late to start. You can contact home health care agencies to provide you with a physical therapist who can work on a suitable exercise program with you.
Make Your Living Environment Safer
Almost all adult falls often happen in the home of the elderly, which is why you need to make your living environment safer as much as possible. Fall risks include clutter and poor lighting. You or someone else can start creating a safer living environment by cleaning up the mess and making home modifications.
As much as possible, you’ll want to add assistive structures around your house, such as grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail at the stairs, and non-slip paint on outdoor steps. Try installing brighter lights as well.
Manage Your Medications Properly
It’s essential to look after your medications properly. Every person reacts differently to their medicine, and some of them can cause dizziness or sleepiness. You can ask your healthcare provider for any side effects you should watch out for to remain cautious.
If you’re not confident you can manage alone during the time you’re on medication, it’s always best to hire the assistance of home health care agencies so that they can provide you with a nurse. A healthcare provider will manage your prescription adequately and keep track of how your body responds to each one of them.
Have Regular Eye Checkups for Better Vision
Getting regular checkups for your vision is vital to prevent adult falls. When people age, their eyesight is usually one of the first to suffer. Having vision problems means you are twice as likely to encounter adult falls as those without the impairment.
It’s fundamental to stay updated on your eye prescription to ensure your vision remains the healthiest it can be. Seek checkup at least once a year and, if possible, ask elderly care professionals their opinion on any assistive devices you could use.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Help from Other People
Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to other people. As you get older, it’s only natural to need the help of others around you. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and needing support doesn’t mean you lose your independence completely.
Your doctors, nurses, therapists, family, and friends are there to help you maintain a good quality of life. It’s crucial to seek their help when you need it because their assistance can help you maintain a healthy level of independence.
Conclusion
Good quality elderly care can go a long way in preventing adult falls. Regular sessions with a physical therapist can help you immensely, especially if you struggle with remaining physically active. In addition, you can ask your doctor or nurse to help you manage your medications and rely on your family and friends for emotional support. You can do many things to set yourself up for a good and independent life, even in old age.
Bridge Home Health & Hospice provides senior health services in California. Our clinicians and therapists are highly trained to give you the best care possible. Check out our other services to see what we can do for you.
