According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury for Americans aged 65 or older. Over a third of these injuries require medical treatment and restrict older adults' activity for at least one day; both of these things are quite detrimental.
It's true that our fall risk increases as we get older, but that doesn't necessarily mean that we have to succumb to a fate of falling. There are effective fall prevention systems available, and seniors all over the nation can implement them.
Do you want to help your elderly loved one in North Richland Hills, TX? Then keep reading. Here are a few systems you can consider for them.
Grab bars and handrails may seem simple, but they're powerful tools for fall prevention; you'll see them used as part of assisted living safety in apartments designed for older adults. So this is one of the best and easiest senior safety tips to carry out.
It's most beneficial to install them in high-risk areas, such as:
These will provide sturdy support when moving from one position to another. And in bathrooms, especially, grab bars will reduce the risk of slips on wet floors.
You might think that furniture and towel racks are good enough for support, but they're not built to hold weight safely. So install grab bars and handrails instead.
Make sure you put handrails on both sides of the stairs to get extra security and balance.
As you can imagine, slippery floors are a leading cause of falls. While it may be impractical to replace entire floorings, just replacing a few key areas with non-slip flooring can make a huge difference. Consider using textured vinyl or slip-resistant tiles.
If your loved one doesn't want to replace flooring, then they can use non-slip mats or adhesive strips to help with avoiding falls in seniors. These are affordable alternatives.
In the bathroom and kitchen, they can get added safety with rubber-backed mats. You should also remove loose rugs, as they can easily bunch up or slide out of place.
Poor visibility often contributes to falls, especially at night. This is why it's essential that your loved one has proper lighting, especially in:
Motion-activated lighting can be especially helpful since they won't have to fumble for a switch in the dark while they walk around.
Make sure that you use soft, warm lighting. This reduces glare and strain on your loved one's eyes.
Stairs can pose one of the biggest fall risks for seniors; all it takes is one misstep, and they can tumble down the steps and suffer great injuries.
If you're worried about your loved one's mobility level, then install a stair lift. This can provide them with a safe way to move between floors without strain or imbalance.
For seniors who use wheelchairs or walkers, ramps with non-slip surfaces can be a safer alternative to steps. Even installing a small ramp at the entryway can make entering and leaving the home much safer and easier.
Both stair lifts and ramps allow older adults to maintain mobility throughout the house without fear of falling on the stairs.
Seniors with mobility challenges can benefit from bed and chair alarms, as they help prevent dangerous situations.
Whenever the older adult tries to stand up, the alarms will alert family members or caregivers. That way, if they fall, help is nearby.
These systems can provide reassurance if you're worried about your loved one moving around alone. Some modern versions even connect to smartphones, so you'll get instant alerts, even if you're not in the same room.
There are several mobility aids for seniors that can help them feel more secure while moving around. For example, there are:
What's great is that newer models have advanced fall-protection features. For instance, walkers have wide bases, ergonomic grips, and built-in seats so that seniors can rest when they're tired, which reduces the risk of overexertion. There are also quad canes with four tips that provide extra stability compared to traditional canes.
In addition, many mobility aids have rubber grips that work on multiple surfaces. This lets seniors navigate both the indoors and outdoors safely.
Balance support for seniors is crucial, so they should do exercise and take balance training programs. Not only can these strengthen the body, but they can also boost emotional wellness.
Exercise programs that are good for strength, coordination, and flexibility include:
Not only do these exercises improve muscle control, but they also help with confidence when walking. What's great is that seniors can join community classes, or they can work with their own private physical therapist or follow along with at-home videos.
Personal emergency response systems (PERS) are also known as medical alert systems. While they don't prevent falls, they allow wearers to call for help immediately if they fall.
They come in forms of:
Whichever you choose, the system connects to emergency services or family members at the press of a button. There are even modern models that automatically detect falls and send alerts without requiring any action. This makes it perfect for seniors who live alone.
With the right fall prevention systems, your loved one can regain confidence in their walking skills. This will encourage them to get around, see people, and participate in activities.
As a result, your loved one will combat loneliness and isolation while reducing their fall risk. This can drastically boost their quality of life, as social connections are essential, especially in one's golden years.
All residences in Morada North Richland Hills come with safety and handicap features to ensure that our residents live securely and comfortably. Get in touch with us now to hear more about senior living in North Richland Hills, TX.