Every time your mom goes for a walk, takes a shower, or walks up and down the stairs, there’s a risk that she’ll fall. It can be dizziness caused by the prescription medications she takes, a sudden drop in blood pressure, or problems in her ear. While some of these issues are hard to avoid, it does help to know whether your mom’s health could increase her fall risk.

Here are some of the more common health conditions in the elderly. Learn more about how they increase your mom’s fall risk.

Anemia

Anemia can be due to bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract or malnutrition. Sometimes, it’s hard to find an exact reason for it. One of the symptoms of anemia is lightheadedness. If your mom is anemic and becomes dizzy, she could fall.

Her doctor will order tests to determine what’s causing the anemia. She may need to take prescription iron supplements in the meantime. These can lead to nausea, so she should take them at a time when she’ll be sitting or lying down for a few hours after taking her pill.

Arthritis

Arthritis pain in the joints can be a dull ache or sharp, sudden pains. When it’s unexpected, there is the risk of a fall. If your mom walks up the stairs when her ankle or knee has a sudden twinge of pain, she’s more likely to drop or stumble.

If she has arthritis, she must manage the pain. Over-the-counter pain and inflammation medications can alleviate the pain. She should talk to her doctor to discuss other methods, such as physical therapy, to help with balance and muscle strength.

Dehydration

Dehydration can cause low blood pressure, increasing dizziness. That can lead to a fall. Warm weather is one time when dehydration is more significant. It’s also more common in people who take diuretics or have diabetes.

Osteoporosis

When your mom’s bones are thin, her legs may be weaker. She needs to exercise regularly to keep her muscles toned, which helps with balance.

With thinner bones, her risk for fracturing a bone in a fall is greater. She needs to do what her doctor says. She may need to take calcium supplements or eat calcium-rich foods more often. Either way, she needs to take care of her bones to avoid a disabling bone break.

Home care assistance services have caregivers going to your mom’s home to help her with daily tasks. She can have a caregiver with her when she showers. After taking her daily prescriptions, your mom has a caregiver with her until troublesome side effects pass.

Talk to a specialist in home care assistance to learn more about these and other services. From home safety checks to transportation services, your mom benefits from extra help designed to keep her safe as she ages at home.

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