Research demonstrates that the elderly want to stay in their homes as long as possible. Yet the older a loved one gets, the more difficult independence becomes. We believe companion care can help. Over the coming weeks we will discuss how companion caregivers can help overcome 10 major challenges faced by the elderly and by their families and loved ones. Please contact us at 888-791-8449 or Stay at Home if you have questions or would like more information.
Fall prevention in the elderly is critically important.
As our loved ones age, they become weaker, their balance and eyesight become less dependable, and their bones become brittle. Falls mean broken hips or wrists, which mean a trip to the hospital. Unfortunately, there comes a time in the life of an elderly person when a trip to the hospital is most likely permanent.
No wonder fall prevention and home safety for seniors is Job No. 1 for us here at Stay at Home.
In a sense, everything we do goes toward preventing falls. When we make sure your loved one is eating properly and taking their medications as prescribed, we’re helping to prevent the weakness and dizziness that lead to a fall. When we pull belongings down from a high shelf or take care of household chores, we’re also preventing falls.
But our focus on fall safety begins well before we get to that point.
On the day you first meet your administrator, you get a free safety evaluation of the home. That visit can last up to two hours, and the safety check is very thorough.
For instance:
- Are pathways clear? We understand wanting to hold onto old magazines, but the proper place for that collection of National Geographics is in a closet or on a shelf, not in the middle of the living room floor.
- Are hallways well lit?
- Do we need to get a bar installed in the bathroom or by the toilet?
- Are there electrical cords lying across the floor? If so, they need to be rerouted or covered up.
- Does your loved one have one or more glass tabletops? If so, we need to make sure something is on the table to make it visible.
The best way to keep your loved one living at home as long as possible is to make certain they don’t fall. With our help, that goal is very do-able.