When your loved ones are living independently, it is incredibly important to ensure that they are safe at home. There are fewer things as scary as finding out that they have fallen. Annually, over three million visits to the emergency department are a result of older adult falls as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And as their loved one, you want to help them through such troubling times. Luckily, there are many reliable ways that you can help your loved one recover from a fall as comfortably as possible. From this article, you can learn how to properly help seniors after a fall.
Show Your Support
It can be a stressful period for both you and your loved one after their fall. It is important that you stay calm and show your support to them. Have an open and compassionate conversation with them about the situation and assure them that their safety is of utmost priority. Be there during their recovery period to assist them in any chores or tasks. Showing your love is the best thing you can do for your loved ones in these times.
Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment
Bring your loved ones to the doctor’s even if they are able to get up after the fall. They may possibly suffer from injuries that are not apparent now but may lead to serious complications in the future. It’s vital that the doctor checks up on your loved one’s status and further examine their overall health. Schedule annual visits to the doctor to ensure that your loved one stays healthy. If they are convinced that they are alright and refuse to go, assure them that this is for their wellbeing and can prevent future falls.
Help Them Learn to Avoid Falls
People who are still recovering from their falls or any injury have an increased risk of falling again. This can be due to mobility issues caused by their injury, or reduced activity from recovering. As such, it’s important to build your loved one’s confidence and strength to start walking around. Start slow by inviting them for walks around the neighborhood and progress to more moderate exercises. This can help improve their balance and stability and ensure their safety for the future.
Fall-proof Their Homes
There are many helpful tips that can fall-proof your loved ones’ homes. Identify the possible hazards that are present in their homes and figure out how you and your loved one can eliminate them. For starters, ensure that the walkways of their homes are clear of any objects as shoes or books which can cause them to trip. Replace the flooring with non-slip tiles especially in vulnerable places like the bathroom. If replacing the flooring is too troublesome, you can opt to place rugs or carpets around the house, but make sure that they are secured to the floor. Lastly, you can install railings around the house to provide your loved one with support or a surface to grab on to prevent falls.
