If your mom or dad is living at home, you’re probably concerned about them falling. Falls are the most common way that seniors become injured. And for seniors falls can result in hospital stays, long periods in rehab, or even permanent loss of mobility. If your mom or dad has fallen before, or if they have very limited mobility, getting 24-hour home care services for them is a great option.
But there are ways that your mom or dad can live safely on their own in the home they want to live in. The first thing to do is make any necessary modifications to the home. That means doing things like installing grab bars in the bathroom, handrails in hallways, and making sure all the lighting is bright and that there is enough lighting. Installing motion active lights is a great way to make your mom or dad’s house safer. But those aren’t the only things that you can do to help lower the risk of your mom or dad falling when they’re at home.
Try these ideas to keep your senior parent safe and comfortable at home:
24-Hour Home Care
With 24-hour home care your mom or dad will always have someone with them who can help them get to the bathroom safely, get them some water, bring them their medications, and make sure that they have the support they need to prevent falls.
Remove Clutter and Ensure Clear Pathways
To lower the risk of your mom or dad falling you should also keep floors free of clutter, such as loose rugs, electrical cords, and other obstacles that can cause trips and falls. If your senior parent has 24-hour home care their care provider can sweep, vacuum, and tidy up the house throughout the day and night to keep pathways clear.
Use Non-Slip Mats and Rugs
Replacing area rugs with non-slip mats is a simple way to significantly lower the risk of your mom or dad falling. Non-slip mats come in all kinds of colors and patterns. They have a sturdy backing that holds them in place, so your mom or dad won’t slip and fall on them, even if they are using a walker or cane.
Buy New Shoes
When was the last time your mom or dad got new shoes? Buy them some new sturdy shoes with high-grip bottoms. Even slippers and house shoes should have sturdy non-slip soles. Replace old shoes promptly, because once the sides and heels start breaking down they won’t provide the support that your mom or dad needs to walk securely.
Keep Frequently Used Items Within Reach
You would be surprised at how often seniors fall just trying to get something. Trying to get something down from a shelf, reaching for the remote, or reaching for something next to the bed. Use organizers and other tools to arrange things that your senior parent uses often close to where they sit or sleep so they don’t have to reach. In the kitchen put frequently used items on the counter so they are easy to reach.
Promote Physical Activity and Balance Exercises
Stretching and doing regular movement will help your mom or dad keep the balance, flexibility, and mobility as long as possible. Occupational therapy or physical therapy is recommended to help seniors avoid falling.
If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-Hour Home Care Services in Nazareth PA, please contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care Allentown today. Call 610-432-6766
Extended Family Care Allentown is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Allentown, Pennsylvania including Bethlehem, Easton, Emmaus, Macungie, Whitehall, Schnecksville, Catasauqua, Northampton, and Nazareth.
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