what should a home care provider really be doing?
5 Ways To Prevent Falls In Seniors
Adrian Cano
Falls are quite common among the elderly. In fact, 2.5 million seniors go to the emergency for falls every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If your elderly loved one is at risk of falling, you can help him avoid getting hurt. Here are five effective ways to prevent falls in seniors:
Make Sure Your Family Member Gets Enough Calcium
It is a well known fact that calcium helps build stronger bones, so you should make sure your elderly loved one gets enough of this nutrient. The stronger your family member's bones are, the less likely he will fall. Encourage your loved one to include plenty of milk, yogurt, broccoli, and almonds in his diet.
Make the Home Easier to Get Around in
To minimize the risk of falls, it is very important to clear clutter off the floors and remove loose rugs. It is also a good idea to put nonslip mats and grab bars in the bathtub.
Encourage Your Family Member to Exercise
Physical activity will not just help your elderly loved one maintain a healthy weight; it can also reduce the risk of falls by making the joints stronger and more flexible. Gentle exercises, such as swimming, yoga and walking, can be quite beneficial. Ask your family member's doctor about how often he should exercise. If your loved one is hesitant about exercising, try doing it with him.
Check Your Loved One's Medications
There are certain medications, such as antidepressants and anti-inflammatory drugs, that can increase the risk of falls. If your loved one is on one of these medications, you should make an appointment with his doctor. Your family member's doctor can try to wean him off of some medications to reduce the risk of falls.
Hire a Home Care Worker
If your busy life does not allow you to look after your elderly loved one all the time, think about hiring a home care worker to help him. One of these professionals can help your family member get around the house easier and assist with chores, such as doing the dishes and taking out the garbage.
If you follow these helpful tips, you can help your elderly loved one stay safe and happy. However, if your family member still falls, you should take him to see a doctor. His physician can help figure out the best solution, such as using a wheelchair.
Talk to a home health care professional like Queen City Home Care for more tips.
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If you have a home health care worker in your home, you know very well how helpful he or she can be. What you may not know is what all that worker is supposed to be doing while in your home. Does the service provide general housecleaning services? Should he or she be doing laundry for the one that they are caring for? My blog will show you what services may or may not be offered by home health care services so that you can look further into what the service you have hired is supposed to be doing in your home.