Every hour, about 327 senior citizens visit an emergency room following a fall. Falls are common in the bathroom, kitchen, and outside. Here are some true stories of older people who fell and the reasons for those falls. Use these to take precautions and keep your parents safe.
Uneven Pavement Leads to a Fall
In Lutz, Florida, a 75-year-old woman tripped on a slab of sidewalk that was four inches higher than the next slab. It was night and the lighting wasn't bright enough. She broke her wrist and asked the town to help cover the cost of surgery and therapy.
Seniors shouldn't only look down when walking. They need to be aware of their surroundings, too. Walk with your mom or dad on routes they take regularly. Check that their own driveway or walkway is even. Make sure sidewalks in the neighborhood are also level.
If they're not, make sure someone walks with your parent. Caregivers can do that. Your parent benefits from both companionship and an arm to hold for balance.
Getting Out of Bed Can Pose Problems
One Wisconsin senior found out that it can be hard to quickly regain balance after a nap. She'd returned from an outing and laid down for an afternoon nap. After waking up, she fell while getting off the bed. She was unable to get back up and wasn't near a phone.
She was on the floor for eight days before a neighbor noticed something was wrong and broke in through a side door. The senior was dehydrated, but she was checked out at the hospital and nothing more was found to be wrong.
No senior should have to go that long without someone checking in. Daily visits from a caregiver can make sure your parent is okay. If daily isn't possible, you should make sure your mom or dad has a medical alert pendant for emergencies like this. Daily calls are also a good idea.
Bathroom Falls Are Also Possible
A senator in Ireland found himself falling while stepping into a high-sided bathtub/shower combination. During the fall, he broke 13 ribs, punctured a lung, and fractured his sternum. He admits that had he hit his head, it would have been worse. Grabbing the shower curtain helped him. He now advocates for walk-in showers. Grab bars may have also helped him.
Instead of risking a fall, home care services can assess your parents' house for potential issues. You can take time to correct fall risks and make the home safer. Plus, caregivers can help your parents with the trickier aspects of home care like getting in and out of the shower, standing up after a full night's sleep, and reaching items in high cabinets. Call a home care agency to schedule an appointment.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Marina Del Ray, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Our number is 323-244-4789
