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Elderly parents may frequently fall due to impaired balance, decreased strength, and poor coordination. Memory problems and frailty caused by illness or injury can make the situation even more difficult for them. When your parents experience physical or mental decline, it can be challenging to know what to do.
When you have elderly parents who keep falling, it’s essential to perform a home safety check and encourage them to join a fall prevention program. You may also arrange for assistance and provide adaptive equipment. Make sure they’re in good health by checking in regularly.
This article will explore how you can provide care and support to elderly parents with fall risk. So, if you’re interested in learning more about keeping your loved ones safe, make sure to read on.
1. Perform a Home Safety Check
A fall can cause serious injury to elderly parents, so it’s essential to take steps to prevent accidents in the first place. A home safety check helps identify potential hazards and necessary home repairs or updates.
Here are some things to look for:
- Is the home well-lit, both inside and out? Poor lighting can lead to falls.
- Are there throw rugs or other tripping hazards? Remove them or make sure they’re securely fastened down.
- Do all the stairways have handrails? Make sure they’re in good condition and firmly attached. You can also install temporary stair railings. How to Install Temporary Stair Railings for the Elderly
- Are there any loose electrical cords or low-hanging light fixtures? These need to be repaired or removed.
- Are the floors properly maintained? Keep the floors clean and dry, and create a clear path from their bed to the bathroom.
If there are specific areas of the home where falls occur regularly, such as the bathroom, consider installing safety features or adaptive equipment. You could also install alarms or cameras that capture footage of any fall incidents so you can investigate and address them promptly.
2. Enroll Your Parent in a Fall Prevention Program
Another way to help your elderly parent prevent falls is by enrolling them in a fall prevention program. Programs typically include exercises and education about healthy living, as well as support from other senior members. A program can also provide helpful devices, such as walkers or canes, and assistance with making changes in the home environment.
If you think your elderly parent might be at risk for falling, talk to them about the benefits of joining a fall prevention program.
Keep in mind that programs vary in terms of their requirements. Some may only require attendance at specific sessions, while others may include home visits or phone calls throughout the year.
3. Talk To Your Parents About Their Fall Risk
While it may be tough to talk about, having a conversation with your parents about their fall risk is important. As our beloved parents’ age, their risk of falling increases due to vision changes, muscle weakness, and medications that can cause nausea or sleepiness.
Educate them about fall risk factors so they can make informed decisions about their lifestyle choices – such as how far they can walk alone, how much weight they can carry safely, and whether or not they need to use a walking aid.
Start by asking elderly parents if they have fallen in the past year. If so, find out what happened and what they think might have contributed to the fall. Then, ask about their concerns about falling. Are they afraid of falling? Do they worry about being injured or unable to get up if they fall?
4. Provide Adequate Nutrition and Hydration
Parents at risk of falling must eat a nutritious diet and stay hydrated. Adequate nutrition and hydration can help prevent falls by keeping muscles strong and bones healthy.
Elderly patients who don’t have enough nutrients or water may become weak and confused, which could lead to more falls. Provide them with food high in protein, vitamins, and fluids such as juice or water. If their condition requires medical attention, ensure they get the care they need quickly.
5. Educate Elderly Parents About the Nature of Falling
Falling is not only a physical injury but also an emotional one. They must understand the psychological effects of falling, such as feeling embarrassed or ashamed, fearing for their safety, or feeling like a burden to others.
Here are some tips on how you can help:
- Be honest with your parents about their falls and what happened after they fell. Doing so will help them feel comfortable talking about their experiences and make them more aware of how falls affect their emotions.
- Make sure that there are no secrets between you and your parents about their health condition or medical history. Being transparent will help prevent them from feeling anxious or embarrassed when they fall.
- Address any concerns promptly. If your elderly parent experiences a fall that results in bruising or other injuries, make sure you address their concerns immediately so they don’t feel afraid or alone – especially if there’s been a history of falls at home or in public settings.
6. Provide Regular Exercise Opportunities
Regular exercise can help elderly parents risk falling. Exercise can help enhance muscle strength, balance, and coordination, which can help prevent falls. Additionally, exercise can help increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a common cause of falls in the elderly.
By providing regular exercise opportunities to your elderly parents, they can stay active and minimize their risk of falls by keeping their muscles strong.
You may help them stay engaged by scheduling regular outings, such as trips to the library or local park, and providing opportunities for them to participate in social activities.
Even if your elderly parents don’t feel up for an outing, staying active is still vital for their health and well-being. Try engaging them in activities like walking or gardening that are low-impact but enjoyable.
You may also consider joining an exercise class, going for walks or hikes in nature, or even just doing simple, low-impact exercises at home. You can help your senior parents stay healthy and independent for longer by providing regular exercise opportunities.
7. Encourage the Use of Adaptive Equipment
The use of adaptive equipment can help keep your elderly parents safe. For example, a light rollator can help prevent falls by providing support and stability. It can also help elderly parents to stay independent and mobile.
Another reason to encourage the use of adaptive equipment is that it can improve the quality of life for elderly parents. For example, adaptive equipment can help them remain active and engage in activities they enjoy. Additionally, it can help minimize the risk of loneliness and isolation by providing opportunities for social interaction and connection.
Encouraging the use of adaptive equipment can also help elderly parents stay active and engaged in their community. They are less likely to need products and services that require a lot of resources to provide.
8. Arrange for Assistance With Challenging Tasks
If you have an elderly parent at risk of falling, it’s crucial to arrange for assistance with tasks that could lead to a fall. For example, you can arrange for assistance to help them with tasks that require balance or coordination, such as getting in and out of the shower.
If you cannot assist elderly parents yourself, many organizations offer in-home care services for elderly parents. These services can help with basic housekeeping and more complex needs like medication management.
Your family and friends can also step in and help as much as possible. Here are some tips for organizing assistance:
- Make a list of the tasks that need to be done, including cleaning, grocery shopping, laundry, cooking meals, and taking care of pets.
- Create specific timelines for each task so everyone knows what needs to be done and when it should be completed.
- Get involved regularly. Arrange routine check-ins with your elderly parents to ensure everything is going according to plan and that no tasks get forgotten or left behind.
- Set up schedules and systems. Having predetermined routines will make life easier for all parties involved; you’ll know what activities need to be accomplished and how they should be performed. By doing so, you can avoid confusion or stress caused by unexpected changes.
9. Provide Assistance With Health Needs
When elderly parents fall more frequently, getting them appointments with doctors or dentists can be difficult. During this time, elder care professionals can help make the necessary arrangements for patients.
Professionals can take on this role, from home health aides who provide general support and assistance with daily tasks like bathing, showering, and dressing to full-time caregivers who live with their seniors to ensure they receive round-the-clock care.
Here are a few ways you can help:
- Talk to their doctor. Make sure their doctor knows the situation and can advise your parents on the best care.
- Assist with medication management. Helping make sure your parents take their medications as prescribed can help prevent falls.
- Make sure they have all the medical records they need – Your elderly parent must know what medicines they take, allergies, and past surgeries. These medical records will make it easier for you or other professionals to care for them if necessary.
10. Discuss the Issue With Your Family Members
When a loved one starts experiencing falls, it’s important for families to have an idea of what kind of service might be best suited for them, whether it’s hiring a home health aide or looking into long-term residential care options.
By taking the initiative early on, family members can avoid any potential misunderstandings or conflicts down the line.
Create a plan with your partner or family member on what you will do if one of your elderly parents falls, gets sick, or needs assistance. Ensure each adult has access to important documents such as wills and medical power of attorney so that everyone knows their wishes should they become incapacitated.
The sooner you and your family members can come up with a plan, the better. Here are some tips:
- Talk about the situation. Even if you’re uncomfortable discussing it, talking about what’s happening will help all of you cope more effectively. It’ll also allow any changes in plans to be discussed openly and honestly without fear of hurting someone’s feelings or making them feel like they’re being blamed.
- Make a list of who should do what. When something unexpected happens (like an elderly parent falling), try to create a list of who should take care of what during this time-sensitive moment. This way, no one feels left out or rushed into decisions they may not be ready for.
- Create communication channels. Establish clear lines and channels of communication so that everyone knows where they stand. Doing so can also support each other during this challenging time of caring for an elderly parent.
- Be flexible. Prepare yourself and your loved ones for anything by creating contingency plans if things don’t work out. By being more flexible, you can avoid unnecessary frustration and be resilient.
11. Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Make regular visits to your elderly parent’s home so that you can see how they are doing and offer any support or assistance that you can; it is essential for them to feel like they are still a part of the family unit despite their age. Doing so helps ensure that they are getting the care they need and that there are no surprises regarding their health or well-being.
Here are some tips for effective check-ins:
- Have a schedule. Set up a specific weekly day when you will meet to review your parent’s health and progress. Doing so will allow you to discuss any changes or concerns without feeling rushed or stressed out.
- Establish trust. Make sure that conversations between you and your elderly parents are open and honest from the beginning. They should be prepared to share any problems or challenges they’ve had since your last visit. Doing so will help build trust between the two of you and ensure that all care decisions are informed.
- Keep track of visits. Document important activities and events during your caregiving relationship. Keeping a diary of your visit may even provide valuable insights into how to improve things moving forward.
- Be patient. It can take a while for elderly parents to adjust to changes in their care. Don’t get discouraged; patience is key when caring for an elderly parent.
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