Falls are one of the most dangerous and pressing hazards for elderly adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than 1 out of every 4 adults over the age of 64 falls each year, but less than half of them report these falls to the doctor. Even seemingly minor falls can result in very serious injuries that can threaten your loved one\u2019s health, mobility, quality of life, and even life expectancy. As a family caregiver it is important that you not only recognize these risks but do what you can to reduce them so that your loved one can stay safer, healthier, and more secure as they age in place.<\/p>\n
While there are many potential fall hazards that your elderly loved one might encounter throughout the day, it is important that you do not overlook the risks that they might face at night. Darkness, tiredness, and less mobility that is possible at night can make this time more challenging for your parent. Making meaningful modifications to their home and their routine can help to reduce this risk and keep them safer.<\/p>\n
Use these tips to help reduce fall risk for your senior at night:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Add amenities to their bedroom.<\/strong> The farther that your parent must maneuver at night, the greater the risk that they will suffer a fall. If your parent frequently needs to get up in the middle of the night, try to add amenities to the bedroom that will lessen the need for these trips. This can mean a toilet chair, a bottle of water, or any other item that might help them to not need to leave their bedroom.<\/p>\n \u2022 Layer lighting.<\/strong> The lighting in your senior\u2019s home can make a tremendous difference in their fall risk at night. Sudden bright lights can be disorienting at night, but not enough lighting can create deep shadows that can conceal dangers. Try adding dimmers, nightlights, and lamps throughout the home that can be adjusted throughout the evening and night to provide the necessary light without it being too bright.<\/p>\n \u2022 Understand their medications.<\/strong> Most elderly adults are taking at least one prescription medication. Many of these have side effects such as dizziness that can increase fall risk. Since these are often taken at bedtime, your parent might struggle with diminished balance and control if they have to get up at night. If you notice that your parent has suffered more falls at night or they complain of these symptoms, talk to their doctor to find out if there may be an alternative medication or if the doctor has suggestions for how to manage these symptoms more effectively.<\/p>\n Starting elderly care for your aging parent can be a fantastic way to help keep them safer and healthier throughout their later years. An elderly home care services provider can be with your senior loved one on a schedule that is right for them. This is not just about addressing their needs and limitations, but also giving them the support, care, and assistance that they need to help them to achieve and maintain a higher level of independence, activity, and fulfilment as they age in place. When it comes to helping them to stay safer, this care provider can give your parent physical support and assistance to help them stay mobile and to handle personal care tasks, such as bathing, dressing, or toileting. They can also help your love one with tasks throughout their home and in their daily life that might challenge their physical abilities, such as helping them keep their home neat and tidy, or going to the grocery store with them to help pick up and carry purchases. As a family caregiver this can help you to have peace of mind knowing that your senior can maintain an active, engaged, and fulfilling lifestyle while staying safer, healthier, and more comfortable.<\/p>\n Source
\nhttps:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/homeandrecreationalsafety\/falls\/adultfalls.html<\/p>\n