Senior folks are more likely to sustain an injury because their bones are more fragile, and their ligaments and tendons are less elastic. Additionally, they respond slowly.
Additionally, other variables, including frailty, eyesight issues, balance issues, and a reduction in strength, increase the risk of falling in older persons. They are also more likely to suffer injuries during routine activities like washing or dressing.
For older adults, injuries can be frightful and incapacitating. One of the reasons you should SAM medical equipment at home or close by is because of this. You must know that they could not recover as fast or completely as more youthful folks. Therefore, prevention is crucial. Fortunately, there are steps you may take to lessen the probability that your loved one will have an accident or injury. This article lists six techniques to stop older folks from becoming hurt:
1. Pay Attention to Falls
As individuals age, falls become more frequent, increasing the risk of major injury. In addition, the likelihood of a loved one falling increases if they are frail, have eyesight issues, or have recently been unwell. Consequently, it would help if you stopped it by carrying out the following:
- Ensure their house or living place is clear of debris and low-lying furnishings that can trip someone.
- Help a loved one with vision issues receive a prescription for glasses from a doctor.
- If an elderly family member is frail, discuss various treatments, such as strengthening exercises, with their doctor. Make that they have a reliable cane or walker and know how to use it. A physical therapist can instruct them on the correct cane usage if they need clarification.
2. Request Expert Assistance
Since many older folks live alone, it's crucial to make sure they can get help quickly when they do. If your loved one is in a similar circumstance, consider employing a home care provider to help them with daily activities, trip plans, and other requirements.
Ask the staff what aid is available if your loved one resides in a facility. You should urge them to use the relevant services if there are any.
If they're still operating a vehicle, be sure to get it frequently inspected. But if you want to make sure they're secure, don't be afraid to propose they use Uber or other ride-sharing services.
3. Maintain Safe Flooring
This is a family-wide safety measure, not only for older people. Pick smooth flooring, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
Carpets may be unhealthy for the health of your loved one since they hold onto dust, germs, and allergies. As a result, consider other options. The ideal materials are hardwood and tile. However, go for washable or mobile rugs if a carpet is necessary.
4. Provide Sufficient Lighting
Installing lights in the home of a loved one is not just for fall prevention. Additionally, having good illumination will make it simpler for them to walk about and carry out daily duties.
Install lighting in the following areas: the living room, the bedroom, and the kitchen. Ensure the bulbs aren't excessively bright or dim (you may adjust the brightness level with a dimmer switch or other controls).
Most people need to be aware of how gloomy the back of a typical home may be. Therefore, you should ensure that your outside areas are adequately illuminated. The front and rear doors' walkways and access routes should be lit.
Every floor should have lights and be at least 10 feet apart. When a fall happens, the illumination will aid in avoiding accidents and contribute to lifesaving efforts.
5. Integrate Exercise Into Your Daily Routines
Physical activity is the best approach to keep the body and mind engaged. Falls, the main cause of injuries among older individuals, may also be avoided using these measures.
Make sure your loved one engages in physical activity every day. They can do this by strolling through their neighborhood, visiting a park or shopping center, or walking with their partner or friends.
They might do yoga with their significant other or family members as well. It is a fantastic approach to increase balance and flexibility. In addition, stress and anxiety, which are frequent issues for older persons, can be reduced by yoga.
6. Install stair rails and handrails.
Studies show railings in bathrooms and along staircases have significantly decreased household accidents. Therefore, if a bar is there, your loved one should utilize it if they have trouble maintaining their balance while walking.
You should advise your loved one to use a cane if there isn't a railing. If your loved one needs rails, install them in your house.
A cane may be most useful for elderly persons in danger of falling. Because they are often weaker, some older persons have problems with balance when walking. With a cane, one can feel secure and supported when walking.
Final Reflections
Injury risks increase with age, although they can be reduced. You may always seek advice from a specialist or take safety measures to prevent accidents by adding handrails or enough lighting to your elderly family members' houses. These actions can help you keep your loved ones safe and comfortable for as long as possible.
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