Dear Caregivers! Let’s talk about keeping you and your family safe and active. It seems like common sense — everybody falls, no matter what age. However, for many older adults, an unexpected fall can result in a serious and costly injury. The good news is that most falls can be prevented. As the caregiver, you have the power to reduce your loved one’s risk of falling, and your own fall risk as well. You can be a partner and a participant in falls prevention. This conversation guide has many purposes. Use this guide as a tool of empowerment in your role as a caregiver. Use it if you or the person you are caring for has had a fall, is experiencing decreased mobility, is unsteady on their feet, or is fearful of falling. When needed, use it to talk with other members of your family or health care professionals about creating a falls prevention action plan. Many people think falling is common as we age. The truth is, older adults can improve balance and strength. Taking action to address the risk of falling is an important way to stay healthy and independent as long as possible. Falls prevention activities are beneficial to everyone across the lifespan, and they can be fun!
Staying healthy as we get older improves our day-to-day life. Those who are less physically active are at higher risk of falling. Strength and balance exercises, properly managing medications, regular vision checks, and making the living environment safer are some of the steps you and your loved one can take to prevent a fall.
The most common risk factors that can result in a fall:
PHYSICAL RISK FACTORS: Changes in your body that increase your risk for a fall
BEHAVIORAL RISK FACTORS: Things we do or don’t do that increase our falls risk
ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS: Hazards in our home or community
The key is to know where to look.
MUSCLE WEAKNESS, BALANCE, AND GAIT PROBLEMS: As we age, most of us lose some strength, coordination, flexibility, and balance — primarily through inactivity, making it easier to fall.
VISION: In the aging eye, less light reaches the retina, which makes it harder to see contrasting edges, tripping hazards, and obstacles.
MEDICATION USE: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause dizziness, sleepiness, dehydration, or interactions with each other that can lead to a fall.
ENVIRONMENT: Most older adults have lived in their homes for a long time and have never thought about simple modifications that can keep it safer as they age.
CHRONIC CONDITIONS: More than 90% of older adults have at least one chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis. Often, these increase the risk of falling because they result in lost function, inactivity, depression, pain, or use of multiple medications.
Here are some steps you can take to prevent a fall.
Falls prevention is a team effort. There are others who want to help you maintain your and your loved one’s mobility and reduce the risk of falling and injuries. Below are three steps designed to help you most effectively prevent a serious injury, stay healthy, and maintain an independent lifestyle. Use the information gathered in these steps to:
- Start a conversation with the person you are caring for to determine if they are at risk for a fall.
- Identify whether you may be at risk for a fall and develop an action plan to ensure you are a strong and healthy caregiver.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Pikesville, MD, please contact the caring staff at A+ Personal Home Care today. Call (443) 660-8757
A+ Personal Home Care provides exceptional home care for seniors and families in Baltimore County, Pikesville, Baltimore City, Towson, Owings Mills, Catonsville, Reisterstown, Montgomery County, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Rockville, Takoma Park, Potomac, Howard County, Columbia, Ellicott City, Prince George’s County, and Bowie, MD.
At A+ Personal Home Care, our mission has always been to provide exceptional care, compassion, and a nurturing environment for our beloved community members. Over the years, we have strived to create a place where individuals can find solace, engage in meaningful activities, and receive the highest quality of medical attention.
A+ Personal Home Care is always striving to improve and exceed expectations. We welcome feedback and suggestions from our clients and their families, as your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our care programs. We want to ensure that we continue to meet your needs and remain a trusted pillar of support within our community.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all the families who have placed their trust in us. Your support and loyalty inspire us to continue providing exceptional care every day. We are committed to fostering an atmosphere of love, respect, and dignity, and we consider it an honor to serve you and your loved ones.
Should you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any member of our dedicated team. We are here to listen, assist, and ensure that your experience at A+ Personal Home Care remains fulfilling and positive.
Thank you once again for choosing A+ Personal Home Care as your partner in care. We look forward to sharing many more moments of joy, growth, and healing with you and your loved ones in the days to come.
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