10 Signs Your Senior is at Risk of Falls
Warning signs of potential falls exist, and it is important to keep an eye out for these signs because of the danger of falls to seniors more so than others. Considering reduced muscle and bone strength, there is a much greater risk of fractures and intense injuries with any fall experienced by a senior.
Caregiver in Berwyn PA: Senior Falls
10 Signs That a Senior Faces Increased Risk of Falls
Reduced Sense of Balance – This may be simply a part of aging, though it could also be a result of an inner ear infection or other disorder. Some medications also cause trouble with balance. Either way, it is important to have this issue evaluated by a physician if it starts to appear serious enough to affect their walking or regular activity.
Reduced Strength – Everyone starts to lose muscle strength over time as aging progresses. Muscles actually tend to start losing strength as early as the age of 30, though it becomes more noticeable over time. With seniors, strength can become so minimal that it is difficult to even stand up or even stay upright after getting up. At this point, the risk of falls has likely increased greatly.
The Decline of Eyesight – Anyone may have poor eyesight, even from childhood. However, when it continues to get worse in the senior years it can become more dangerous. This makes it difficult to find something to hold onto before falling or even to find something to grab in order to help get up.
Change in Hearing – Quite often hearing and balance are somewhat related. With an inner ear problem, there could be a loss in hearing along with a reduction in balance. Both of these together can make it hard to stay upright.
Cognitive Decline or Impairment – At this point, cognitive decline or impairment may be similar to the frequent occasion of getting lost in even the most common places. Seniors may not be able to find their way around, and this makes it hard to prevent or recover from those falls that can take place easily.
Stiffness in Joints and Loss of Flexibility – Plain and simple, these points indicate the fact of any senior having trouble moving at all. Without the ability to walk comfortably any additional challenges to movement like slippery floors or tubs cannot be overcome.
Reliance on Supports when Walking – More than anything this is just an indicator that your senior is having trouble walking in general. Quite often, this could be shown when they start to take an odd course from one room to another in the house just so they can hold onto furniture or other items to help with support.
Dizziness, Drowsiness, Poor Vision, and Other Side Effects – These are common side effects of many medications. Sometimes they are caused by other chronic conditions as well, including some of the simple nervous changes that come with age. As all of these occur together it can be hard to walk straight or maintain a solid path.
Chronic Conditions Like Diabetes, Parkinson’s, Arthritis, or Hypertension – These health conditions often cause issues like loss of balance, changes in hearing, loss of vision, and more.
Declining Ability or Desire to Walk – At this point, a senior may become unwilling to face a simple activity like walking once it becomes a challenge. They may be scared of the possibility of falling, or if there has been a fall having caused an injury they may not want others to see any of these happen again.
If you are caring for a senior loved one who is at a higher risk for a fall, consider hiring elderly care providers to offer mobility assistance on a regular basis. When you can’t be there to help your senior, elderly care can help reduce their risk of a serious fall or catastrophic injury.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Berwyn, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care.
Call today: (484) 206-4544
Sources
Betterhealthwhileaging.net
Dailycaring.com
Nia.nih.gov
Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.
With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.
Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.
Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.
Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.
In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.
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