According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an older adult in the United States falls every second of the day. In fact, they say that falls are the number one cause of injuries and death for seniors. It’s no wonder that many seniors worry more about falling than almost anything else. Having a fear of falling can make seniors avoid some activities that they perceive as being too dangerous.

Unfortunately, that makes them miss out on living life to
its fullest. Not only does a fear of falling reduce the quality of life, it also makes a fall more likely. When a person has fears of falling, they change the way they move in an attempt to prevent themselves from falling. Unfortunately, these changes can actually cause falls. If your parent worries about falling, there are ways you can help them. Below are some tips for helping your senior parent to manage their fear of falling and prevent falls.

Reduce Fall Hazards in the Home
Take a walk around your parent’s house and look for things that they could trip over. Remove or secure loose rugs. Install handrails in stairwells and grab bars in the bathroom. Make sure the lighting in your parent’s home is bright enough for them to see well. Talk to your parent about the changes you are making and how they will help reduce the chances of a fall. Knowing their home is safe may ease some of their fears.

Encourage Exercise
Exercise that strengthens muscles and improves balance reduces the risk of falling. Many older adults use Tai Chi to improve balance. If your parent is interested in taking a Tai Chi or other exercise class, an elderly care provider can drive them to the class. Once your parent notices the changes in their strength and balance, they may feel more confident.

Have Their Vision Checked
If it’s been a while since your parent has been to the eye doctor, take them in for a checkup. Poor vision can cause a fall. Some forms of vision correction, such as bifocals or trifocals, can cause your parent to misjudge distances, which could lead to a fall. The CDC recommends getting a pair of glasses with only the distance prescription for outdoor activities, such as walking.

Review Medications
Some medications can cause dizziness or affect balance. Talk to your parent’s doctor about their medications and ask if there are alternatives that don’t affect the risk of falling.

Hire an Elderly Care Provider
An elderly care provider can help your parent to feel safer in their home. If your parent has mobility issues, an elderly care provider can help them to safely move about the house and ease worries about falling and not being found.

Have questions about hiring home health care in Kahala, HI? Contact the caring staff at All Care Hawaii today. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Call Oahu (808) 206-8409  or  Maui (808) 664-3853.

Sources
adaa.org
seniorplanet.org
cdc.gov1
cdc.gov2
psychologytoday.com
cdc.gov3

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Jermie Chadwick, CEO

CEO / Owner at All Care Hawaii

Jermie graduated with her nursing degree from Ateneo De Davao University. Jermie has a compassionate nature, being raised by her Grandparents and Aunt who instilled in her respect for elders, as well as the “golden rule” to help others is priority. Jermie worked for many years with two of the leading Health Care Agencies in Hawaii and received many accolades from both the companies and the clients. During this time she expanded upon her extensive health care training and knowledge, by gaining vast practical experience. Today Jermie’s skills and experience are utilized in her oversight of all aspects of care provided by All Care Hawaii, assuring that the company she founded remains consistently committed to the best care for others and responsive to all client’s needs.

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