As you age, a small accident like slipping on a wet floor or tripping on a rug could completely turn your life around. Your bones are more prone to breaking at the point in time, which could cause disability or death in more serious circumstances. Luckily, there are ways you can prevent loved ones from falling and lowering their risk of injury.
Staying Physically Fit
Consistent physical activity could go a long way toward preventing loved ones from falling. With your doctor’s advice, you can pick the right exercise program for yourself – water workouts, yoga, or simply walking to increase your physical strength and may slow bone loss from osteoporosis. Regardless of one’s mobility, it is possible to find the right routine for your body with enough research and creativity. On top of that, moving around also helps to keep your tendons, joints, and ligaments more flexible. However, if you worry that exercise may increase the likelihood of a fall in yourself or a loved one, let your doctor know. You may be referred to a physical therapist that can put together customized programs aimed at improving your muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and gait while ensuring a safe experience.
Repair or Remove Fall Hazards
Whether it’s rickety stairs, slippery floors, or electrical cords, some of the most common causes of falls are in the home where you might have a false sense of security. This makes it crucial to regularly ensure a safe living space for your elderly loved one. Take a look around your own home – living room, hallway, bathroom, bedrooms, and stairways. Are there any fall hazards you can identify and remove? Here are a few ways you can create a safer living space and prevent loved ones from falling at home:
- Repair loose wooden floorboards and carpeting
- Adding non-slip mats and a bath seat in the shower
- Remove all boxes, electrical cords, and newspapers along walkways
- Secure loose rugs with double-sided tape or slip-resistant backings
- Move plant racks and coffee tables safely to the corners
- Store food, dishes, and other necessities on lower shelves
Use Assistive Devices in Homes
If your loved one needs help to feel steady while walking, the appropriate use of walkers and canes can help in reducing the risk of falls at home. Ensure that these tools are of the right size for your elderly loved one or they could also act as a potential fall hazard for them. Besides walkers and canes, there are other assistive devices that can make a significant difference in preventing loved ones from falling at home. A few examples include:
- Grab bars in the shower or tubs
- Raised toilet seats with armrests
- Handrails along stairs and walkways
Why Choose Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh?
The sheer range of amenities and services we have easily makes our senior living community the ideal destination among older individuals. From programs like independent senior living to assisted senior living and memory care, our warm and dedicated team at Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh will ensure a high quality of life for you here.
To learn more about the exclusive senior living programs in Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh, contact us today.
