Falls can be extremely dangerous for elderly adults. Nearly 10,000 deaths in the United States each year among older adults are attributed to falls, and among those who are injured by their falls, a large percentage experience diminished functioning as a result of injuries. As a family caregiver, it is important for you to take as many steps as possible to help your parent avoid experiencing a fall, but this isn’t always possible. Your parent may still trip, slip, stumble, or otherwise experience a fall, and if this happens, the way they respond to the fall can make a tremendous difference in there recovery and lifestyle moving forward.

The first thing your parent should do if they fall is not try to immediately move. It’s often the first instinct to move as quickly as possible, but this could result in worsened injuries. Instead, your parent should take a few moments to get over the shock, then carefully evaluate how they are feeling to determine if they may have been hurt by the fall. If they are hurt, they should call for help.

If your senior has determined that they are not hurt, and they feel well enough to try to get up, it is imperative that they do so carefully. After falling, they may feel unsteady or have minor pain that could cause them to fall again. If your senior is on their back or stomach, they should roll to the side and pull up into a seated position. From there, your senior should try to find a stable object they can use for leverage. This allows them to grab onto the object and pull themselves up to a seated position or two standing. They should try to move slowly and carefully, evaluating how they are feeling throughout the process.

Even if your senior feels that their fall was only minor, they should consider going to the doctor. Some injuries can show up hours or even days after a fall, and your parent may not be aware of them. Falls can also put a senior at increased risk for serious health issues such as blood clots. Informing the doctor that your parent has fallen gives you a chance to help them make changes to their routine that will prevent further falls, and keep them safer.

Most elderly adults aspired to remain in their own home as long as possible as they get older. If you’re senior is struggling with challenges and limitations such as mobility problems, balance issues, health issues, or others that increase the risk of falling or their problems, however, you may worry they will not be able to sustain this goal. Bringing elder care into their life can make it easier for them. As a family caregiver, you want your senior to be able to stay safe and healthy, and enjoy their best life. They highly personalized services of an elderly home care services provider can help them to manage their challenges and limitations in the ways that are best for them, preserve their independence, and maintain a healthy lifestyle so they are better able to age in place.

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Elder Care in South Pasadena, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.