If your senior parent wants to continue living in the family home as they get older, they’re not alone. Personal care at home and other home care studies show that most seniors who have a choice want to remain living in their own homes as they get older.
There are a lot of benefits seniors get from living at home. They get to continue being independent. They get to stay in the neighborhoods where they have built community connections and are close to friends, churches, familiar stores, and other places where they feel safe.
But living at home does come with some risks, especially as your mom or dad gets older. If your mom or dad develops chronic illness or mobility challenges, they may have a higher risk of falling at home. Falling at home is the most common reason why seniors are hospitalized every year. But there are some things that you can do to lower the risk of your senior parent falling at home, including personal care at home services.
If you address these five fall risks that seniors face at home, your mom or dad can live safely at home with a lower risk of falling:
Falling In The Bathroom
Falling in the bathroom is one of the most common ways that seniors get hurt. Your mom or dad may become dizzy or unsteady on their feet and fall in the shower. Or, they may need a little extra help getting up from the toilet so that they don’t fall. Personal care at home providers can keep your mom or dad safe in the bathroom and in other high-risk areas.
Personal care at home professionals help seniors with delicate tasks like showering, brushing their teeth, getting dressed, and going to the bathroom. A care provider can help your mom or dad avoid falls with dignity and compassion.
Cluttered Walkways
Clutter can easily lead to tripping accidents that can cause broken bones and serious injuries for your mom or dad. Items like loose shoes, cords, or scattered objects in hallways and living spaces are dangerous.
Your mom or dad may also struggle with narrow pathways that make it hard to navigate. Clear walkways are essential for safety. Furniture should be arranged to allow plenty of room for movement, and any unnecessary items should be removed.
Personal care at home providers can help seniors with household chores and cleaning to keep the home safer for them.
Poor Lighting
Dim lighting makes it harder for your mom or dad to see obstacles, especially if they have declining eyesight. If stairs, hallways, and entryways are not well-lit, they are high-risk areas.
Shadows or poorly placed lights can also cause confusion. Installing brighter bulbs, motion-activated lights, or nightlights in key areas helps reduce the chance of falls. Accessible light switches are also important.
Rugs and Slippery Floors
Loose rugs and slippery surfaces are a major hazard your senior parent. Rugs can slide underfoot or cause uneven surfaces. Smooth floors like hardwood or tile can become slick, especially if wet or dusty.
Secure rugs with non-slip pads or remove them entirely. Adding traction mats or anti-slip coatings to floors can provide extra grip and reduce risks.
Unstable Furniture
Unsteady furniture like wobbly chairs or tables can be a serious problem. Your mom or dad may grab onto or lean on these items for support when they’re getting up or sitting down. That can lead to falls if the furniture shifts or collapses.
Lightweight or improperly placed furniture can also become tripping hazards. Check furniture for stability and ensure that handrails or grab bars are installed to be used for balance instead of furniture.
If you or an aging loved one needs Personal Care at Home in Fair Oaks, CA, contact A Better Living Home Care today (916) 514-7006
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