Does Your Parent Have a Fall Plan?
Falling is a major concern for older adults. One in every four older adults falls each year. 300,000 of them are hospitalized due to a broken hip. Falls are also the number one cause of traumatic brain injuries. New research indicates that one way of preventing serious injury and hospitalization due to a fall is to have a fall plan in place.
Home Care Services in Centreville VA: Seniors Fall Plan
What is a Fall Plan?
A fall plan involves the older adult becoming educated about falls—the risk factors, what can lead to a fall, and how to prevent them. Many hospitals and senior centers offer seminars for seniors about falling. The classes often included teaching them exercises that can improve their strength and balance, making a fall less likely.
-Part of the fall plan should include ways to minimize the chances of the person falling. Some steps to take include:
-Taking care of any medical conditions that make falls more likely.
-Making changes to the home that reduce the risk, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom, removing clutter, and eliminating loose rugs.
-Getting the older adult in better physical condition through exercise and a healthy diet.
-Purchasing shoes with non-skid soles that fit well.
-Determining if the senior needs a cane or other assistive device.
Is There a Safer Way to Fall?
Even when you take all possible steps to avoid a fall, your aging relative may still suffer a nasty spill. However, it is possible for them to learn ways to fall more safely, reducing the chances of a serious injury. In an article posted on the AARP website, professional stuntwoman Alexa Marcigliano offers the following advice for preventing injuries due to falls:
Relax: The normal reaction to realizing a fall is about to happen is to panic and become stiff. However, remembering to stay loose and bend the knees and elbows can help. Falling on the hands when the elbows are rigid increases the risk of breaking the wrist or elbow.
Head Protection: When falling forward, the head should be turned to the side. If the senior is falling backward, they should tuck their chin into their chest.
Meaty Landings: Falling on parts of the body that are protected by muscle can prevent fractures. If possible, seniors should try to fall on their butts, backs, or thighs.
Roll: Most people try to immediately stop the momentum of a fall. However, it can be better to follow through on the fall and roll. This allows the impact of the fall to spread over a larger area of the body so that one small spot doesn’t take the full force.
Another excellent way to prevent your parent from suffering a fall is to hire senior care to assist them around the house. A senior care provider can offer help when your parent is getting up from a chair or sitting back down. They can also walk with them from room to room to ensure they do not fall. In addition, a senior care provider can help make changes around the house to prevent falls, such as removing clutter and loose rugs or moving frequently used items to places that are easier to reach.
Are you or a loved-one considering Home Care Services in Centreville, VA? Please call the caring staff at Medical Professionals On Call today. Contact: 703-273-8818
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Medical Professionals On Call has such a caring, professional staff who are available to step in with whatever level of care necessary for loved ones and to relieve you of that stress.
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