Warmer weather is just around the corner despite those that might be located in the Northeast experiencing this chilly spring. With Spring coming, it allows us to take a look at the home to see what may need to be done. For our Seniors, it’s a chance to take a look at some prevention methods for falls. The risk of falls increases substantially after the age of 65, and the Spring is a great time to address some of the ways to prevent falls.
The World Health Organization shows that falls are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide. As Seniors continue to age, the risk of falls increases two-fold. If someone were to fall once, they become more prone to a fall a second time further causing more harm. So the big question for you to ask yourself, is what can I do to help my Mom, Dad, or Grandparent to help mitigate falls?
Here are five things you can do to help your loved ones stay safe this Spring.
Medical Maintenance Checks
It is important to make routine visits to your Doctors. Keeping up with your appointments can ensure that you are taking care of yourself. This can also help with your balance, vision, and ensure your medications are current. This is a great way to prevent falls for seniors since overtime many things can change. If you have not been to see your doctor lately, now is as good as time as any for a wellness visit.
Eliminate Household Clutter & Tripping Hazards
Decluttering around the house can be the first step to making sure that obstacles do not exist, which could ultimately cause falls. The big question is that during the decluttering process or Spring cleaning, what do you do with the items you no longer want. There are many organizations out there that support great causes. Here at BlueStar, we try to help out our Veteran community as much as possible and there are many organizations that support Veterans who will take unwanted household items during your decluttering process.
Place Things You Need on Lower Shelves
Ensuring commonly used household items are within reach is another great way to avoid falls. Climbing and overreaching for items that are just out of reach can lead be extremely risky and lead to falls causing serious bodily harm. During your spring cleaning, lower things you might use to help prevent this.
Install Good Lighting & Handrails to Grab in Tricky Places
Another great way to help prevent falls is to install handrails. Falls in bathrooms are one of the most common places to occur. Installing a handrail in the shower or near the toilet can help to prevent falls.
Watch Out For Roaming Pets
We all love our furry creatures, cats and dogs alike. However, sometimes they can get a bit too excited and crawl up under your feet as you are walking. Be sure you are careful with where they are so it does not cause you to trip and fall.
There are many more ways to prevent falls this spring and as you move forward. These are five events that BlueStar HonorCare feels are important to prevent falls. BlueStar also offers devices like the Ranger and the SafeGuard to assist you if you are ever in the time of need.
The SafeGuard is for those that might be more home-based and comes with fall detection. If you or your loved one were to fall, a person would be called to check on you. If no response is heard, medical attention will be dispatched to your home. To learn more about the SentryPlus or to order one for you or a loved one, give us a call at 800-300-1724 or visit us online.
