If your senior parent is living at home and you’re worried about their safety, that’s a valid fear. Every year, thousands of seniors end up in the emergency room with broken bones and other injuries they’ve received from falling at home. And if you can’t be there with your mom or dad all the time, you probably worry about what would happen to them if they fall at home alone.

Don’t worry. Senior home care can be there for your mom or dad when you can’t be. If your mom or dad has senior home care they will have a care provider in the home with them to help them avoid falling. And a home care provider can also reduce the amount of fall hazards in the house by doing things like picking up cords, removing loose rugs, cleaning up spills, and more.

Even if your mom or dad has good mobility and they don’t have any serious medical issues that can make them prone to falling, they can still fall at home. The most common causes of seniors falling at home are:

Clutter and Tripping Hazards

One of the biggest reasons seniors fall is because of clutter and objects left on the floor. Loose rugs, electrical cords, shoes, or even small furniture can create tripping hazards. If your mom or dad has trouble lifting their feet or seeing clearly, they may not notice these obstacles. Keeping walkways clear and removing unnecessary items can help reduce the risk of falling.

Poor Lighting

Dim lighting makes it harder for your mom or dad to see where they are walking, increasing their chances of tripping or missing a step. This is especially dangerous at night when they may wake up to use the bathroom.

Hallways, staircases, and entryways should have bright lights to improve visibility. Installing nightlights in key areas, like bedrooms and bathrooms, can also make it easier for seniors to move around safely.

Weak Muscles and Balance Problems

As people age, they naturally lose muscle strength and flexibility. This can make it harder for seniors to keep their balance when standing up, walking, or reaching for something. Even if your mom or dad is fairly healthy can experience weakness or occasional balance problems.

Slippery Floors and Bathrooms

Wet or slippery surfaces are a major cause of falls. Bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways are especially risky because they often have tile or hardwood floors that can get wet. Stepping out of the shower, washing dishes, or coming inside on a rainy day can create a slippery situation. Using non-slip mats, installing grab bars in the bathroom, and wearing non-slip shoes inside the house can help prevent falls.

Rushing or Moving Too Quickly

Seniors sometimes fall because they try to move too quickly, especially when getting out of bed or a chair. If they feel dizzy or lightheaded, standing up too fast can make them lose balance. This is often due to low blood pressure or medication side effects. Seniors should take their time when standing up and use a sturdy surface, like a chair or railing, for support when needed.

Stairs Without Proper Support

Many falls happen on staircases, especially if there is no railing or if the steps are too steep. Seniors who have trouble with balance may find it difficult to go up or down stairs safely. Adding sturdy handrails on both sides of the staircase and making sure steps are well-lit can help prevent falls. Having senior home care can help your mom or dad avoid falls on the stairs because a care provider can help them safely up and down the stairs.

Reference
https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Cumming, GA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands – Serving Forsyth and North Fulton County today at (770) 744-3928.

Assisting Hands – Serving Forsyth and North Fulton County provides exceptional home care in Buckhead, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Cumming, Gainesville, Suwanee and the surrounding areas in Georgia.