Home Modifications to Reduce Your Parent's Risk of Falling

Home Care Services Lake Forest IL
 
Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries to aging adults over the age of 64. Each year nearly 3 million seniors suffer a fall, and 800,000 of them will need to seek extended hospitalization in order to treat the injuries caused by those falls. More than 27,000 seniors will die from falls. Those seniors who are able to recover from their falls are still likely to experience long-term ill-effects of the fall, including reduced mobility, anxiety and fear associated with activity and going out, pain, stiffness, and reduced ability to manage their activities of daily living and other tasks.  
 
While it is not possible to prevent every fall that may occur, there are ways that you can reduce the chances that your parent will suffer one. One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your loved one is to make basic home modifications that reduce the risk of a fall.

Some of these include: 

• Ensure adequate lighting, particularly in areas where there may be changes in elevation or obstacles in the path to ensure that your parent can see and make the right movements.
 
• Ensure all handrails are secure and add grab bars to areas of the home where your parent might need extra support, such as the bathroom, bedroom, or hallway.

• Use thick bath mats any time your parent is bathing or showering to prevent the floor from getting slick .

• Add bar mats to the kitchen in front of the sink and dishwasher to catch water and products that might make the floor slippery.

• Avoid long curtains that could stretch onto the floor in walkways such as the living room.
 
• Lower the bed if it is on risers so that it is easier to get into and out of.
 
• Consider adding bedrails if your parent has a tendency to roll out of bed .

• Clear the floor of all clutter, including decorative items and throw rugs that your parent could trip over or could get caught under their feet.

• Avoid using cleaning products that make floors and other surfaces slippery, such as floor wax.
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• Remove furniture that is lightweight or is on wheels and could move out from under your parent if they try to grab onto it for support. 
 
If your parent has been experiencing increased symptoms or concerns that might put them at greater risk of falling, such as more balance problems, dizziness, or an injury, now may be the ideal time to start considering elder care. Even with home modifications your aging parent might have difficulty handling certain tasks of life and activities safely and independently. An elderly home care services provider can be there with your loved one to address these needs in the way that is right for them. Whether it is providing direct assistance through tasks such as transferring and walking, modifying tasks to make them more approachable, or handling certain activities and tasks for them, this care provider can help ensure that your parent can age in place safely, healthily, comfortably, and happily.  

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services Lake Forest IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.
 

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