Each year throughout the United States, approximately one out of every three senior adults over the age of 64 will experience a fall. Of these, nearly 10,000 will died from the injuries they sustained. Among those who experienced a fractured hip as a result of their injury, 25% will die within the next six months. As a family caregiver, these statistics may be startling, but they illustrate just how important it is to not only understand the risks associated with falling, but your parents individual risk. By recognizing the factors that could increase the potential for your parent to experience a fall, you can make meaningful modifications to your care routine and to their daily life that will help to prevent these falls and reduce the risk of serious injury as they age in place.

Some factors that increase the risk that you are aging parent will experience of fall include:

• Vestibular disorders
• Other causes of balance problems
• Insufficient vitamin D
• Taking medications that cause dizziness, loss of balance, or other issues related to falls as side effects
• Postural hypotension, a condition in which the blood pressure drops dramatically when changing position such as sitting up from a prone position, or standing from sitting down
• Low vision or eye diseases that compromise vision
• Frequent dizziness, such as vertigo
• Inadequate nutrition or hydration
• Problems of the foot or ankle
• Weakness in the joints or muscles of the lower body
• Problems with gait
• Arthritis
• Recent stroke
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Dementia
• Home hazards such as uneven flooring, loose floor coverings, inadequate lighting, and loose handrails

Elder care can be a fantastic way to help a senior adult with increased risk of falling continue to live an active, engaged, and fulfilling lifestyle as they age in place. Many elderly adults who are at risk of falling or who have recently suffered a fall experience decreased functioning, reduced activity, and mental impact such as fear that keeps them from staying engaged in the world around them. And elderly home care services provider can help your parent to cope with this and move past it for a more independent, active, and enjoyable life. This can include participating in more of their own errands and tasks, going on outings and adventures, and participating in activities such as volunteer opportunities and extended learning opportunities that boost your senior’s mental and emotional well-being, stimulate their mind, and encourage overall higher quality of life.

https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI-FactSheet-RiskFactors-508.pdf

If you or an aging parent are considering elder care in Allentown, PA, please contact the caring staff at Serenity Hospice today. Call (215) 867-5405.