Fall prevention is one of the most important topics that must be discussed when it comes to geriatric care. After all, an accidental fall or one due to medical conditions could derail one’s normal way of life. While understanding the reasons for increased chances of falls in seniors is important, it is also vital one knows how to minimize the risks at home. The fear of falls often also weighs down heavily on the minds of elders who start to self-restrict their movements. Thus, equipping your home or an old age home in a way that puts their mind at ease is of utmost importance.

Following are a few easy ways to try and reduce the risk of falls:

Initiate conversations

The older our family members get, one often feels it is their prerogative to make decisions for them. While in cases where seniors are affected by conditions like Parkinson’s, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, etc., this might be necessary, in most cases it is advisable to include them in decisions related to their health. Make sure you initiate conversations related to their medication, their physical exercise, and even mental wellbeing, so they feel responsible and can share their reservations towards certain changes. When it comes to senior care, encouraging them to share their thoughts is of prime importance.

Take note of telltale signs

Eldercare Service at home in Mohali often requires you to pay attention to every little thing about seniors’ behavior. Do keep an eye out for signs like difficulty in walking, a tilt when they’re standing. Other signs include holding on to walls and furniture, having trouble getting up from a chair, etc. Once you know these signs, you can instantly take them to a physical therapist who can suggest aids that reduce their risk of falls.

Lighting

One of the most simple and easiest ways to reduce the risk of falls in a home is to increase the lighting indoors. Don’t miss dark corners in the house and make sure you add lighting there as well. Also, ensure that the light switches are easily accessible to elders in case they wake up in the middle of the night.

Stairs

Stairs are always tricky when it comes to elders. If you have stairs at home, it is advisable that you move your older family members to the lower level of the house, so that they can completely avoid using the stairs. Otherwise, it is a must that you install two secure rails on either side of the stairs that they can grab on to.

Bathrooms

One of the areas in a house which is most prone to seeing senior falls is the bathroom. Whether it is the slippery floors, the lower toilet seat, or the bathtub, a bathroom has many risk factors. Luckily, there are several ways you can make a bathroom fall-proof. Install grab bars near the shower area and next to the toilet. You can also opt for a higher toilet seat so it’s easier to sit down and get up. It’s also recommended to install anti-skid tiles.

Adopt core strengthening

If you thought core strengthening was only important for the youth and adults, then you are mistaken. Research proves that as one starts to age, their spatial perception changes which means they tend to overestimate their safe distance, and this results in loss of balance. A strong core can make a significant difference in one’s recovery time and helps prevent a fall in the very first place. Some of the strengthening exercises are sit-to-stand exercise, balance exercises, etc. These are simple and can be done easily at home. However, one must ensure it is always done under the supervision of other adults. It is also advisable that you consult a physical trainer on exercise that is suitable for your age and medical condition.

Diet changes

No matter what your age, it is a known fact that dietary changes can improve your overall health. According to research after the age of 70, seniors lose 15% muscle every 10 years, due to their sedentary lifestyle, health conditions, and longer periods of inactivity. Muscle loss is one of the main reasons for reduced strength which can cause mobility issues and heighten the risk of falls. When it comes to diet, one needs to consume a higher quantity of protein, approximately 20-30 grams, thrice a day to increases muscle growth. It is important to restrict processed foods and supplement them with natural sources of protein like cheese, egg, meat, milk, yogurt, beans, etc. Complement your diet with exercise, and you are bound to build muscle that can rule out risks of falls.

Learn about cognitive therapy

Physical health takes center stage while speaking about fall prevention; however, an equally important aspect is a cognitive function which is the performance of the brain. As one grows older, the brain’s function starts to diminish and it may increase the chances of falls. Cognitive therapy helps strengthen the mind by using mental exercises like multi-tasking, solving puzzles, etc.

Consult your doctor

Needless to say, every bit of the above learning is of no use if you don’t consult with your doctor and take the right advice. Senior care needs to be carefully looked into with the guidance of your doctor. Be it the right medication, the timing of the medicines or even exercises, and the use of aids; make it a point to take your doctor’s advice when it comes to eldercare.

Be it simpler ways to minimize the risk of making certain lifestyle changes, falls in elders can be avoidable to a great extent. Make your home more senior-friendly and help your elders lead a healthier and happier life.