At Kore Life, we understand the importance of fostering a safe and supportive environment for our elderly community. As we navigate the journey of aging, one of the primary concerns for seniors and their loved ones is the risk of falling. In this blog post, we'll highlight contributing factors that can be addressed in practical ways to help seniors prevent episodes of falling.
Fall Stigma:
Meet Richard, an 82-year-old retiree who hid his concerns about falling and ended up slipping on the stairs resulting in a broken hip. After he was able to return home, his family initiated an open and non-judgmental conversation about the episode. Through this discussion, Richard finally felt heard and supported and, together, they were able to take steps towards proactively creating a safer environment for him.
Like Richard, many Seniors may choose to hide episodes of falling from their family for a variety of reasons; concerns around a loss of independence, fear of being judged as vulnerable or even worries that revealing falls could lead to relocation to an assisted living or nursing home are all quite common. Understanding these reasons is key to opening a two-way dialogue allowing for collaboration on preventive measures and creating a more empathetic and supportive atmosphere.
Home Safety:
Sarah, a dedicated daughter, realized the importance of a home safety assessment after her mother, Emily, tripped on an uneven rug. Identifying potential hazards and making necessary adjustments transformed Emily's living space into a safer haven. Emily was able to secure the rug with non-slip backing, but repairing uneven flooring and removing obstacles from walking paths are also important.
Other considerations include ensuring bright lighting through hallways, stairwells, and entryways. Installing handrails on both sides of stairs, ensuring steps are in good repair and providing contrasting colours to improve visibility. Assess the bathroom for hazards such as wet surfaces, while also adding grab bars near the toilet and in the shower and consider a raised toilet seat if necessary. In the bedroom, ensure the bed is a comfortable height, secure loose cords and wires and utilize bed stands for easy access to essentials. In the kitchen keeping frequently used items within reach, use non-slip mats and secure furniture to prevent tipping.
Supportive Mobility Aids: James, a grandfather with a love for gardening, discovered the value of a reliable walking aid after a near-fall incident. With the support of a sturdy cane, James regained confidence in his daily activities. By encouraging the use of appropriate and properly fitted mobility aids such as canes or walkers, allows seniors to move around with greater ease and reduce the risk of falls.
Regular Exercise: Lisa, a senior who enjoys dancing, found that regular exercise not only improved her strength and balance but also enhanced her overall well-being. Exercise became a joyful routine that significantly lowered her risk of falling. Promoting enjoyable and age-appropriate exercises that focus on improving strength and balance contributes to increased stability and helps in preventing falls among Seniors.
Medication Management: George, a retiree with a passion for reading, experienced dizziness due to medication interactions. Regular medication reviews with his healthcare provider helped adjust dosages and mitigate side effects, ultimately preventing episodes of falling. Beyond this, organizing medications for easy access and ensuring clear labelling can help prevent accidental misuse or falls due to side effects.
At Kore Life, we believe that every senior deserves a life filled with safety, support, and understanding. By taking proactive steps and incorporating these strategies into their care, we can collectively reduce the risk of falls and empower seniors to lead fulfilling more independent lives. Let's embrace the journey of aging with compassion and commitment to the well-being of our loved ones.
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