The most common injury among elderly is falling, which can cause fatal head and brain injuries as well as hip fractures, wounds, and even catastrophic head and brain damage. A fall can be so terrifying for elders, even when there are no significant injuries, that they avoid particular activities out of fear of falling again. Some of the most frequent reasons for falls happen at home, where you could feel uneasy because of slick surfaces, shaky stairs, or exposed electrical connections. Making a home safe is the first step in preventing falls because of this. Healthcare professionals from a reputed senior citizen care taker in Ahmedabad suggest some of the tips to prevent falls for elderly people which we will discuss in this article.
Clean up clutter
Search your house for any potential fall hazards. Make your house more secure by Clearing walkways of boxes, newspapers, phone cords, and electrical cords. Remove plant stands, magazine racks, and coffee tables from busy areas. Remove loose rugs from your house or fix them with slip-resistant backing, double-faced tape, or tacks. Repair carpeting and loose hardwood floorboards as soon as possible. Keep things like clothes, dishes, food, and other necessities close at hand. Clean up any liquid, grease, or food spills right away. Put non-slip mats in the shower or bathtub. Use a bath seat so you can sit while taking a shower.
Keep your living area brightly lit
Keep your home well-lit to prevent tripping over difficult-to-see objects. Also Put nightlights in the corridors, bathroom and bedroom. If you anticipate needing to get out of bed in the middle of the night, have a lamp next to your bed. For light switches that aren’t close to room entrances, make obvious pathways. Think about switching out conventional switches for lit or glow-in-the-dark ones. Before ascending or descending stairs, turn on the lights. In case of power outages, keep flashlights in locations that are simple to discover.
Wear relevant and good shoes
Think about switching up your shoes as part of your fall prevention strategy. You run the risk of slipping and falling if you wear high heels, loose shoes, or shoes with slick soles. Walking in stocking feet can also be done. Wear flat, well-fitting shoes instead that are stable and have non-skid soles. Shoes that are appropriate may also lessen joint pain.
Always keep moving
Fall prevention can be greatly helped by exercise. These exercises increase strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility, which lowers the chance of falling. Inform your healthcare professional if you stay away from physical activity out of concern that it will increase your risk of falling. Your healthcare practitioner might suggest physically supervised exercise regimens or send you to a physical therapist. Your balance, flexibility, and muscle strength can all be enhanced by an individual training programme designed by the physical therapist.
Install grab bars and handrails
These safety features are essential for safely using the stairs, getting on and off the toilet, and entering and exiting the bathtub. Installing grab bars at toilets and bathtubs as well as railings in stairways and corridors is recommended. If you need assistance, you can always hire the best home care services in Ahmedabad who can assist you even during odd hours so that you do not fall and be safe.
Avoid wearing loose clothes
Although wearing loose clothing can occasionally increase your risk of falling, you want to feel comfortable at home. Choose clothing that fits better and has properly finished hems so it won’t bunch up or drag on the ground.
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