Falling at home is one of seniors’ biggest threats if they want to age in place. If your senior mom or dad has fallen at home before, they are statistically more likely to fall if they continue living at home.
But there are things that you can do to lower the risk of your mom or dad falling at home. Taking precautions and making sure that your senior parent has all the support they need are the best things you can do to avoid your senior parent becoming injured from a fall.
If your mom or dad really wants to continue living at home, but you’re really worried about them falling, do these things to decrease the risk that they will fall in their house:
Get In-Home Care
The simplest thing you can do to help your senior parent avoid a fall at home is also the best thing you can do: get in-home care. If your senior parent has in-home care, someone will be in the house with them to help them get around safely.
And, if something happens and they do fall that care provider can immediately get emergency help so that your senior parent isn’t lying alone on the floor waiting for help. Call a local home care agency today to find out more about in-home care for your senior mom or dad.
Put In Safety Devices
You can make the home safer for your senior parent by installing a few safety devices. Grab bars are inexpensive, easy to install, and a huge help to seniors. Grab bars give seniors something stable and sturdy to pull themselves up or ease themselves into bed or a chair.
You should also consider installing handrails in the hallways. Handrails are a big help for seniors who are struggling with their balance or who have a condition like Parkinson’s that can cause them to shuffle their feet.
Fix The Lighting
Making changes to the lighting can help seniors see better, which can help them avoid falling. Install daylight bulbs to make hallways and rooms brighter. Or, install LED light strips along baseboards and stairs so that your senior parent can see where they are going.
A fantastic upgrade is putting motion sensor lights in the bathrooms, hallways, and anywhere else your senior walks. These areas are very dark and full of shadows, so your senior parent doesn’t have to grope blindly for the light as they try to walk.
Adapt To Their Changing Health
As your mom or dad gets older, their health will change. They may develop low vision or have more trouble with their balance. As their health changes, you may need to make more changes in the house so they can get around safely. It’s a good idea to check in with them every few months and see if there are things you can do to make the house easier for them to navigate.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care in Tampa, FL, please contact the caring staff at Family First Healthcare Services today at (813) 461-8000.
Family First Healthcare Services is a top provider of in-home health services in Tampa, Bradenton, Brandon, Riverview, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, Town ‘n’ Country, Florida, and surrounding areas.
- Managing Chronic Conditions While Aging in Place - September 5, 2024
- Seven Tips to Help Your Senior Keep Reading - August 28, 2024
- Keeping Senior Blood Sugar Healthier - August 6, 2024