One of the biggest concerns that you probably have about a senior parent living independently is safety. Falls are the leading cause of seniors ending up in the hospital. And a fall can cause injuries that can take months to heal from. Falls happen every day, so both seniors and their families should be concerned about them. Senior home care is one way that you can help your senior parent lower the risk of falling at home.
If your senior parent has senior home care, a care provider will be with your senior parent daily to help them with household tasks and moving around so they don’t fall. Some of the ways that a senior home care provider can help your parent stay safe if they are living alone are:
Keep the House Clean and Clutter-Free
It’s easy for things to pile up in a family home. There might be shoes by the door, newspapers on the floor, or bags in the hallway. But all that clutter can turn into tripping hazards for your senior parent fast.
A home care provider can help by keeping the walkways clear and the living spaces organized. They’ll make sure cords are tucked away, rugs are lying flat, and there’s nothing on the floor that could cause a fall. A tidy home is more comfortable and much safer for your parent.
Help With Daily Activities
Sometimes simple tasks like getting dressed, reaching for dishes, or even getting in and out of bed can be risky. A caregiver can be there to offer a hand with everyday activities. Whether it’s helping steady your parent when they stand up or making sure they have a sturdy chair to sit in while getting dressed, these small actions can prevent a lot of accidents.
Watch for Health Changes
If your parent starts feeling dizzy, weak, or confused, they’re more likely to fall. A senior home care provider is trained to notice early signs of health problems. They can keep an eye out for things like unsteady walking, slower reactions, or medication side effects. If something seems off, they can alert you or a doctor before it turns into a serious issue.
Encourage Good Habits
A caregiver can help your parent build habits that lower their fall risk. This might mean reminding them to wear non-slip shoes, making sure they use their cane or walker when needed, and encouraging them to get up slowly from chairs and beds. They can also help with simple exercises that improve balance and strength, which are super important for staying steady on your feet.
Make the Home Safer
Sometimes the house itself needs a little adjusting. A home care provider can help spot ways to make the home safer. Maybe it’s adding grab bars in the bathroom, putting a nightlight in the hallway, or moving commonly used items to easy-to-reach places. They might suggest putting a bench in the shower or getting a raised toilet seat. Little changes like these can make a big difference when it comes to preventing falls.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Exeter, NH, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands Home Care – Seacoast NH today! 603-824-8200
Assisting Hands Home Care – Seacoast NH provides exceptional home care in Portsmouth, Rye, New Castle, North Hampton, Hampton, Stratham, Exeter, Durham, Dover, Seabrook, Greenland, Rochester, Hampton Falls and surrounding areas.
