A Fall Prevention Manual For Seniors With Osteoporosis
Fall prevention result to less injury among the elderly, the focus of Care At Heart is on why it is critical to prevent falls in seniors over the holiday season. This is especially true for individuals who have osteoporosis, a disorder in which the bones weaken and become brittle, making them more prone to fracture. Falling can also result in a variety of other dangerous injuries that can take a long time to cure. You can help an older relative avoid falling, especially if they are at home.
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Fall Prevention Simple Steps
You might be startled to realize that your home is full of potential fall hazards, especially for an elderly person who may be unable to see well or has poor balance and agility.
- Remove any loose things from the living room, kitchen, bathrooms, hallways, and stairwells that could cause tripping, such as loose rugs, boxes, papers, or cords. Plant stands and ottomans should be moved out of high-traffic areas, and area rugs should be secured with a slip-resistant backing.
- Nonslip bathmats should be used in the bathroom, and a bath seat should be installed in the shower so that your senior loved one may sit while bathing.
Full Info: EASIEST STEPS TO HELP SENIORS FROM SLIPS, FALLS AND TRIPS
- An older adult may require a brighter living space in order to see clearly and prevent tripping over objects they cannot see.
- Install LED nightlights in the corridors and bathrooms to make it easier for them to find the light switches in the dark.
- Place a lamp on their nightstand so they can easily turn it on and reach for their glasses if they need something in the middle of the night.
- Keep flashlights in a visible location so you can use them if the power goes out.
Mobility-impaired people can use assistive devices like a cane, walker, rollator, or wheelchair to move around more easily. This may also help you avoid a possibly disastrous fall. Install handrails on both sides of your stairways, a raised toilet seat, and grab bars for the shower/tub or next to the toilet to increase the number of assistive devices in your home.
Detailed information: HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS
Get up and move around.
As a result of their fear of falling, people with osteoporosis may limit their activity. This can exacerbate osteoporosis because regular exercise can help to improve strength, agility, balance, coordination, and flexibility, all of which can help to lower the risk of falling. Get permission from your doctor to engage in low-impact exercises like walking, water aerobics, or yoga. Weight-bearing workouts can aid with bone health. Whether your loved one is still hesitant and afraid, see if they might be more comfortable with a monitored fitness program designed just for them by a physical therapist.
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An occupational therapist can help osteoporosis patients learn how to accomplish activities of daily living and discuss fall-prevention methods, which can be beneficial for an older adult who is concerned about falling. Many of these methods are simple to implement and inexpensive, while others, such as adding a grab bar, may be an investment that requires professional assistance. If the cost of these home modifications is a problem, keep in mind that fall prevention is an investment in freedom and a higher quality of life.
Contact Care At Heart
Are you interested in learning more about how an at-home caregiver might assist your loved one? We are excited to assist you. Please call (610) 765-0497 for more information or to inquire about home caring in your area.