Fall Prevention Tips to Keep Seniors Safe This Autumn
Falling may seem like a trivial occurrence that happens to everyone — we simply get back up, dust off our knees, and continue with our day. The truth is, as we age our muscles become weak, we experience a decline in motor control, and our bones become more brittle. In fact, falling is a serious threat to older adults, and fall prevention is an important topic to discuss with loved ones as the autumn weather nears.
Along with safety tips for seniors, we look forward to informing you about senior caregivers and their role in fall prevention. Emergency departments recorded over three million visits for older adult falls. This is a statistic we want to prevent along with allowing your senior loved ones to age in place gracefully.
Understanding the Seasonal Risk Factors
Each season poses different risks when it comes to falling. The weather can influence a variety of factors, both internal and external. For example, high temperatures can affect cognitive function and low temperatures can hinder mobility. Additionally, seasonal elements such as rain and snow, are also important risk factors to consider.
It's also understood that with winter comes snow and slippery ice which creates a challenging environment for aging adults to maneuver in. We are also aware that summer brings high temperatures that can easily dehydrate seniors causing disorientation. But how does autumn impact the risk of seniors falling and what are some fall prevention tips that we should always keep in mind?
- Falling leaves retain moisture and become slippery.
- Many leaves piled together aren't always easy to step over.
- With daylight savings ending, it will get darker outside earlier, making it difficult to see.
- With cooler weather comes bulkier clothing and more clutter in walkways.
- Flu season is approaching and symptoms may cause drowsiness and dizziness.
Fall Prevention Tips to Help Safeguard Seniors
Enhancing the quality of life for seniors is what independent living is all about. Autumn is a beautiful time of year that should be spent drinking hot cocoa, reading by the fire, and indulging in freshly baked apple pie—not fearing the risk of falling.
Read on for some autumn safety tips for seniors that will help prepare them for pumpkin season.
- Rake the leaves and clear them from all walking paths.
- Add lighting to your surroundings. This includes any walkways into the home and night lights inside the home.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms since windows will remain shut as the weather cools down.
- Reduce the risk of fire by making sure all objects are at a safe distance from any space heaters. Panicking may cause individuals to trip and fall.
- Get vaccinated for influenza at the recommendation of a healthcare professional.
- Exercise regularly. Strengthening muscles and improving dexterity will help prevent falls.
Home Care Agency's Role in Seniors' Fall Prevention
The professionals at Elite Home Health Care want to ensure your senior loved ones get to experience all the great things that each season has to offer. Our personalized senior care options provide a more hands-on approach, such as caring for those living with dementia, or simply lending a hand when it comes to grocery shopping, cooking, and laundry. This includes preparing their home for different seasons and eliminating fall hazards so that they can age in place joyfully.
Fall Prevention for a Brighter Autumn
Whichever service is needed, senior companionship, care, and protection is our main priority. Our caregivers can assist with the safeguarding of your loved ones so everyone can sleep soundly at night. Our team of dedicated professionals understands that friendship and expert medical care go hand-in-hand. Call Elite Home Health Care today to learn about our array of services.
Written by: Leah Ganz
Leah Ganz, RN, BSN is the Director of Patient Services at Elite Home Health Care. She has an extensive background in homecare and previously worked in various specialties including pediatrics, pain managemnet and internal medicine. She oversees allpatient services across Elite's departments.