Tag Archive for: senior falls

A man experiencing mobility changes in older adults holds tightly to the railing with both hands while attempting to climb the stairs.

Watch for These Early Indicators of Mobility Changes in Older Adults

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A man experiencing mobility changes in older adults holds tightly to the railing with both hands while attempting to climb the stairs.

Mobility changes in older adults may be subtle at first, but are important to detect in order to prevent a fall.

In echoing Benjamin Franklin’s timeless wisdom, the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” rings particularly true when it comes to the important issue of identifying and addressing mobility changes in older adults. The stark reality, as outlined by the CDC, is that falls among seniors result in a staggering 3 million emergency room visits, 300,000 hip fractures, and 32,000 fatalities annually.

Preventing a potential tragedy requires knowing the warning signs that indicate escalating mobility concerns in seniors:

  • Avoidance of Stairs: Keep a watchful eye on older loved ones who, while seemingly mobile, shy away from stairs. This cautious approach may indicate a fear of falling, potentially fueled by a range of factors such as diminishing strength, joint issues, or an unsteady gait. If stairs become a perceived obstacle, it’s crucial to explore the root cause and address any underlying mobility changes. Encourage open communication to understand their concerns and work collaboratively on solutions, which might include home modifications or the introduction of assistive devices to enhance confidence and safety.
  • Struggles With Sitting or Standing: Observing an individual’s ability to navigate between sitting and standing is pivotal. Difficulty in rising from a seated position or settling back down may signal muscle weakness, joint stiffness, or balance challenges. If external support, such as furniture or nearby objects, is relied upon for these movements, it’s an indication that a person’s mobility may be compromised. A comprehensive assessment, including a consultation with a healthcare professional, can unveil the specific areas of concern and guide the implementation of targeted interventions, including exercises and adaptive equipment.
  • Decline in Physical Activity: A significant red flag is raised when an individual undergoes a noticeable shift from an active to a more sedentary lifestyle. This decline in physical activity can result from various factors, including a fear of injury, chronic pain, or overall fatigue. Recognizing the reasons behind this shift is crucial in addressing the root cause of potential mobility issues. Engage in supportive conversations to understand a person’s experiences, preferences, and any perceived barriers to staying active. Collaboratively developing a personalized plan that accommodates their needs and interests can foster a gradual return to physical activity, improving overall mobility and well-being.
  • Dizziness and Balance Problems: Unexplained dizziness and challenges with balance are multifaceted issues that demand careful attention. These symptoms may arise from conditions such as inner ear disorders, medication side effects, or cardiovascular issues. Swift identification and addressing the root causes are imperative to mitigate the risks posed to mobility. Encourage regular check-ups with healthcare providers, including specialists, if necessary, to conduct thorough assessments. By pinpointing the specific factors contributing to dizziness and balance problems, tailored interventions, which may include physical therapy or medication adjustments, can be implemented to enhance overall stability and mobility.

One effective method to assess mobility and fall risk is the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Its simplicity makes it a valuable tool in gauging a person’s mobility:

  • Place a sturdy chair against the wall.
  • Mark a distance of 10 feet from the wall.
  • Instruct the person to sit in the chair.
  • Upon your signal, start a timer as they stand, walk to the 10-foot mark, turn around, return, and sit down.

Stand nearby for support if necessary, track results over time, and share findings with the doctor for guidance. Further details on the test, along with a downloadable assessment sheet, can be found here.

If any of these signs resonate, initiate an open conversation with the individual. Express concerns and schedule a check-up with their doctor. Introducing simple mobility aids can significantly enhance safety and independence.

For additional insights into mobility changes in older adults and how to address them, contact our team of experts at Harmony Home Health & Hospice. You can reach us any time at 1-877-I-NEED-CARE (1-877-463-3322) to find out more about how our home health care services in Salt Lake City, Orem, Albuquerque, and throughout Central New Mexico and Northern Utah can help someone you love.

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12 Steps to Prevent Senior Falls When Caring for Aging Parents

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Prevent senior falls at home with these tips.

Falls among senior citizens are all too frequent and may have serious consequences. If you’re caring for aging parents, taking measures to prevent senior falls is crucial, such as examining the home for fall dangers like throw rugs or other tripping hazards, poor lighting, and an absence of appropriate grab bars and railings. But there’s another strategy being suggested now: creating a fall plan of care, which, when implemented correctly, has been shown to cut down on fall-related emergency room visits up to 40%.

So while we definitely do not want to plan for a loved one to fall, we can be better equipped by helping the individual take the following steps:

  • Remain vigilant – Avoid letting your mind wander and instead keep your full concentration on your surroundings.
  • Check vision – Regular eye exams and constantly wearing eyeglasses if required can ensure tripping hazards are seen and avoided.
  • Practice balance – Exercises as basic as lifting one foot off the ground and staying balanced on the other foot for up to 30 seconds often helps.
  • If a fall does occur, understanding how to fall more safely can minimize the chance of injury. In particular:
    • Avoid head injuries by intentionally turning your face away from the fall, or folding your chin to your chest if falling back.
    •  Bend the elbows and knees to avoid the rigidity that can trigger a break to the wrist or elbow when trying to catch your fall.
    • Roll through the fall, which diffuses the impact of the fall over a larger portion of the body instead of concentrating it on one area.
    • Try to land on fatty tissue, such as on your thighs or bottom, rather than on more bony surfaces such as hips, knees, and elbows.
  • Using the following proactive measures can also go a long way towards avoiding a fall:
    • Be sure that all walking areas both inside and outside of the home are free from clutter and any possible tripping risks, such as extension cords.
    • Keep flooring surfaces, particularly in the bathroom and kitchen, clean and dry.
    • Install grab bars around the bathtub and toilet.
    • Make sure handrails are in place and secure alongside all stairwells.
    • Remove and replace any worn carpeting and remove all loose rugs.

At Harmony Home Health & Hospice, we’re experienced in making the home environment as safe and secure from falls as it can be to prevent senior falls, and we are skilled in providing ambulation help and oversight when needed to help ensure fall risk is reduced. We are also available to engage in physician-approved fitness programs to boost stability and flexibility, resulting in overall improved health.

Call us at 1-877-I-NEED-CARE (1-877-463-3322) to find additional ways we are able to help and to learn more about our in-home care in Ogden and the surrounding communities.

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Reduce Senior Fall Risk with These Recommendations

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Reduce fall risk for older adults with these tips.

Falling can be painful, but for seniors, the results can be devastating, including hip fractures, which can result in a broad range of health concerns. As many as 25% of all older adults who experience a fractured hip lose their lives within six months of the injury. As disturbing as this statistic is, it’s important to know that there are steps that can be taken to reduce fall risk and to prevent serious injuries at home.

Making a few simple modifications to your loved one’s home can make a world of difference in enhancing safety. Below are some easy home alteration recommendations from our home health experts:

  • Lighting:
    • Replace light bulbs throughout the home on a routine basis to ensure there is sufficient lighting in the senior’s home
    • Make use of nightlights or motion detector lights to enhance visibility at night
    • Ensure no electrical cords are stretched across walking areas
  • Floors:
    • Use low pile carpet or slip-proof tile
    • Take out all throw rugs, or ensure they are firmly secured with non-slip tape
    • Use contrasting colors for paint, furniture and carpeting to clarify changes in surface types or levels
    • Never use floor polish or wax
  • Bathroom:
    • Install grab bars around the tub and beside the toilet, making sure they are strong enough to support an adult’s full weight
    • Place slip-proof strips or mats in and around the tub
    • Purchase a wall-mounted liquid soap dispenser for the shower wall
    • Use a portable, hand-held shower head
    • Add a padded shower or bath seat

Additionally, there are a number of products available to assist with reducing fall risk at home, such as:

  • Door Alarms: If the senior has a tendency to wander, especially at night, door alarms will let you or the senior’s caregiver know that he or she is moving about and could be in danger.
  • Monitoring Systems: Monitoring systems are an efficient way to track a senior’s movements in the home. Sensors are positioned throughout the home, and some even include calling capabilities so the older adult can alert a caregiver if a fall or other emergency has occurred.
  • Safer Footwear: Fall management footwear features rubber grips on the bottom to prevent slipping, and are great for older adults who are at a heightened risk for falls. You can even find waterproof, slip-resistant socks that can be worn in the tub or shower.
  • Bedrails: Many falls occur during the night as seniors move around in their sleep or get up to go to a different room. Bedrails can prevent seniors from falling out of bed and also provide something to hold onto when standing up to get out of bed.

With so many seniors choosing to age in place at home instead of moving to an assisted living facility, it’s crucial to make the home as safe as possible. Harmony Home Health & Hospice, the leaders in Salt Lake City in-home care and care in the surrounding areas, can help with professional in-home care services to reduce fall risk and enhance senior safety. Call us at 1-877-I-NEED-CARE (1-877-463-3322) today!