SENIOR CAREGIVER SAFETY TIPS

HOW TOReduce the Risk of Falling with Seniors

Your parent or spouse is older now and has reached the time of life where their world becomes smaller

They spend more time at home, It becomes almost their entire world

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF FALLS IN THE ELDERLY?

Loss of mobility

As we age, joints tend to stiffen, tendons become less flexible and muscles a bit weaker

Balance problems

Reaction time slows down and compensating for being off balance becomes more difficult

Decreased vision

You just can’t see the dog in the dark like you used to

Foot problems

Arthritis, numbness, old injuries, foot drop all can interfere with normal gait and make a fall more likely

Medications

Many medicines, such as those for cardiac or neurological problems or for hypertension can cause drowsiness

Hazards in the home

Inadequate lighting, stairs, throw rugs, pets, waxed floors, cords stretching across the floor, all can cause falls

Hazards outside the home

Broken or uneven sidewalk, inadequate lighting and steps are likely to cause problems

YOU NEED TO “FALL PROOF” YOUR LOVED ONE’S HOME

Make a safer home with the below suggestions

Get rid of all throw rugs and

floor mats

Make sure the edges of the carpet are tacked down well

Clean off the floor

Get all cords off the floor

Floor wax should be non-

skid

Consider installing handrails next to the toilet and in the tub

A raised toilet seat makes it easier to get

up from the toilet

The telephone should be accessible

from the floor

Increase the amount of light

in the rooms

HELP YOUR LOVED ONE STAY IN SHAPE

Exercise

Your loved one will be far less likely to fall if he or she is in good physical shape

Medicines

Discuss medications with the doctor if you are concerned about confusion or drowsiness

Vision

Make sure they have the appropriate glasses and see the eye doctor on a regular basis

HELP YOUR LOVED ONE TO STAY SAFELY AT HOME. FALL PROOF THAT HOUSE AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO EXERCISE

Keystone In-Home Care provides services in the Central Pennsylvania area including Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Adams, Cumberland and Dauphin counties. Services are provided up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — wherever home may be.

900-C Centerville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 (Google Map)Phone: 717-898-2825

Toll Free: 866-857-4601Fax: 717-898-2827

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