According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. One in four older Americans experience a fall annually. At FirstLight®, our goal is to provide senior home care that makes your loved ones feel safe. Elderly fall prevention is just one way we care for your loved ones as if they were our own. Read on to learn more about fall prevention for seniors.
Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence. They are a substantial medical risk that can result in hip fractures, cuts and sometimes life-threatening head and brain injuries. Oftentimes, a fall is so scary that seniors may avoid certain activities because they are worried that they’ll fall again. So, how important is senior fall prevention?
Elderly fall prevention can greatly improve the quality of life in our seniors. The data is startling. Sixty and Me, an online community of 500,000 women over 60, provided some very helpful information that explores basic statistics related to falls in older Americans. For example, “more than one in every three falls involving older adults either requires medical assistance, such as going to a regular doctor’s appointment or a trip to the emergency room, or results in activity limitations for a day or more.” Falls are too common. We need to work together to learn about fall prevention to keep our aging family and friends healthy.
If you are a family caregiver, the following quick guide to elderly fall prevention can help keep your aging loved one safe inside the place they call home and provide you with comfort and peace of mind.
Although falls are not a normal part of aging, most of us lose some coordination, flexibility and balance as we age. This can increase our potential to fall. Elderly fall prevention is the best way to counteract the negative effects of a fall before it happens. Here are some ways to help prevent falls in your elderly loved one.
The simplest way to promote fall prevention is to remove clutter from floors, hallways, staircases and sidewalks around your loved one’s home. Unnecessary clutter can be a tripping hazard. Plus, your loved one is at risk of losing their balance and falling when they bend down to pick up the clutter.
Walk through every room of the house and identify potential trip hazards. Fix, remove, or repair items such as loose carpets, throw rugs, uneven flooring, electrical cords or unnecessary furniture, as well as things like old newspapers and magazines that may be piled up. Patterned rugs, especially, can cause a tripping hazard because they affect depth perception.
Limiting overreaching can be a great form of fall prevention. The potential of falling is minimized by not placing anything on shelves that are too high or need to be reached using a chair or ladder. In their bedroom specifically, your loved one’s bed should be a comfortable height, stable and firm enough to get in and out of easily. A telephone and lamp should be reachable on the bedside table. Eyeglasses, canes and walkers should also be easily accessible.
Buying rubberized slip-resistant mats both inside and outside of the shower or tub helps prevent slipping. A raised toilet seat makes it easier and safer for someone who is weak or has balance problems.
Hire a handyman or have a family member install grab bars by toilets and bathtubs and handrails in stairways and hallways. Most seniors have lived in their homes for such a long time they may have never thought about making simple home modifications that could make aging in place a viable and safer option.
Poor lighting is another hazard that can cause falls. Install brighter light bulbs in each room for everyday use. Add night lights in bedrooms and bathrooms for better guidance at night. Light switches should be accessible at room entrances and at the beginning of any dark area. Automatic touch lights that turn on when you touch the base of the lamp are helpful for those with arthritis or painful joints. Adapters are available to convert existing lamps into touch-sensitive lamps.
Preventing falls at home can be as simple as wearing sensible shoes. Socks might be more comfortable, but they can also be slippery. Encourage your loved one to wear shoes, even inside the house. Shoes should have low heels and good tread.
Make sure to keep shoelaces tied or Velcro firmly fastened. If your loved one chooses to wear slippers, they should have rubber soles and should not be worn outside.
Step edges should be marked with reflective tape that is designed for outdoor use. Traction tape on stair treads will minimize the chance of falls when the stairs are wet. Using a contrasting color adhesive strip along the edge of the threshold will make it more visible. Leaves, moss, snow and ice can cause serious falls. Paths and sidewalks that are raised and cracked create a hazard.
Get a shower bench or chair for someone if they are unsteady on their feet. Balance can be easily thrown off by trying to carry heavy objects and having vision obscured.
Review all medications with your loved one’s the physician or pharmacist to see if there is an increased risk for falls. Some drugs that contribute to falls are diuretics, blood pressure medicine and medications given for psychological reasons.
When using a walker, both hands must be free to grasp the handles on either side. Avoid carrying heavy objects, which could cause a loss of balance or overload a wheelchair. Wheelchairs should be checked periodically to make sure they are in good working condition.
Teaching aging adults that they are not as agile as they used to be is a helpful way to promote senior fall prevention. Many falls at home are caused by your elderly loved one moving too quickly while getting in or out of a seated position. Advise them to pause before sitting or standing to make sure they are steady before moving.
Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) provide emergency help at the press of a button, 24 hours a day. While not a form of fall prevention, if you are not able to have an actual person in the home with your loved one, these devices are an effective way to alert others of a fall. The response button is worn around the neck, on the belt or on the wrist of your loved one. These systems help alleviate the fear of being alone during an emergency such as a fall.
At FirstLight, our caregivers are taught to watch for possible fall hazards and to manage them before an accident happens. In addition to senior fall prevention and home safety checks, our team provides a variety of senior home care services to help you or your loved one stay safe and independent.
Navigating Hospital Stays and Rehabilitation for Parkinsons Patients. This article is part of The Parkinsons Care Compass: A Caregiving Roadmap Guiding Families Through Every Stage, an educational series presented by At Your Home Caregiving of Texas. We are honored to walk beside families, offering specialized in-home care solutions to support every step of the Parkinsons journey. Hospital stays are a stressful experience for any family, but for individuals living with Parkinsons disease, hospitalization poses unique challenges that can significantly impact recovery and long-term health. When a Parkinsons patient requires surgery, treatment for complications, or recovery after a fall, family caregivers must act as advocates, organizers, and partners in care. Being prepared and informed is the key to ensuring a safe hospital stay and a smooth transition back home.At Your Home Caregiving of Texas understands these complexities and stands ready to help families through every step of the journey, providing expert support for rehabilitation and home-based recovery.Unique Hospitalization Challenges for Parkinsons PatientsParkinsons disease complicates hospital care in several critical ways: Medication Management: Parkinsons medications must be administered on a strict schedule to manage symptoms effectively. Delays or missed doses can lead to severe motor symptoms, confusion, and even hospitalization complications. Mobility and Fall Risks: Hospital environments are unfamiliar, and Parkinsons patients face an increased risk of falls due to balance issues and muscle rigidity. Cognitive Changes: Hospitalization can sometimes trigger or worsen confusion, memory problems, or delirium, especially in older adults with Parkinsons. Communication Difficulties: Some patients experience soft speech (hypophonia) or facial masking, making it difficult to express needs clearly to hospital staff unfamiliar with Parkinsons care. Being aware of these risks allows families to take a proactive role during the hospital stay, minimizing complications and ensuring the best possible outcome.Preparing for a Hospital Stay: Advocacy and PlanningIf hospitalization is scheduled (for surgery or planned treatments), preparation can make a significant difference:1. Create a Hospital Parkinsons PlanPrepare a simple one-page document outlining your loved ones: Current medications and exact times for administration Mobility limitations and fall risk status Communication needs Cognitive changes or dementia symptoms Preferences for therapy, rehabilitation, and home care after discharge Provide this information to the hospital staff immediately upon admission.2. Bring Medications to the HospitalBring a full list and ideally the actual medications in their original containers. In some hospitals, families can administer Parkinsons medications if theres a risk of delays.3. Assign an AdvocateDesignate a family member or professional caregiver to be present as much as possible, especially during medication times, shift changes, and physician rounds. Having a consistent advocate can prevent critical mistakes and advocate for the patients specialized needs.The Importance of Medication TimingOne of the biggest risks for Parkinsons patients in the hospital is missed or mistimed medications. Parkinsons medications like carbidopa-levodopa must be administered exactly as prescribed, sometimes multiple times a day, to prevent a sudden worsening of motor and non-motor symptoms.Tips for ensuring proper medication administration: Clearly document the medication schedule and insist it be incorporated into the hospitals care orders. Politely but firmly remind nursing staff of the critical importance of on-time dosing. Advocate for medication self-administration if allowed by hospital policy. Watch for any substitutions generic or alternate medications can sometimes affect symptom control. Families should feel empowered to respectfully advocate for their loved ones medical needs. Delay in Parkinsons medication can lead to avoidable setbacks in recovery.Understanding Rehabilitation OptionsAfter hospitalization, rehabilitation is essential for helping Parkinsons patients regain strength, balance, and function. Depending on the situation, rehabilitation may occur in: Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs): Specialized centers offering intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs): Short-term stays focused on medical monitoring and therapy. Home-Based Rehabilitation: Therapy provided at home, which may be the best option for patients with significant mobility challenges or those at high risk of hospital-acquired infections. At Your Home Caregiving of Texas partners with rehabilitation therapists to support continuity of care at home, ensuring that exercises, safety measures, and care plans are followed consistently.Key Rehabilitation Goals for Parkinsons Patients Improving strength and flexibility Reducing fall risk through balance and gait training Enhancing fine motor skills (handwriting, eating, dressing) Improving swallowing and speech if affected Maintaining independence as much as possible Early rehabilitation after hospitalization is crucial for Parkinsons patients. Without it, the risk of decline, injury, and readmission significantly increases.Transitioning Safely Back HomeThe transition from hospital to home is a vulnerable time. Planning ahead is critical to prevent setbacks.Steps for a Successful Transition: Arrange Home Care Services Early: Schedule in-home caregiving services to assist with mobility, medication reminders, and personal care. Conduct a Home Safety Evaluation: Adapt the home environment to minimize fall risks remove tripping hazards, install grab bars, ensure proper lighting, and use assistive devices. Coordinate Medication Management: Update prescriptions, confirm medication supply, and create a clear medication schedule. Schedule Follow-Up Appointments: Ensure post-discharge physician and therapy visits are scheduled before leaving the hospital. Implement a Rehabilitation Plan: Continue physical therapy and exercise routines at home, guided by professional caregivers and therapists. At Your Home Caregiving of Texas specializes in providing comprehensive transitional care for Parkinsons patients. Our caregivers work alongside families and healthcare professionals to ensure that recovery continues safely and effectively at home.How At Your Home Caregiving of Texas Supports RecoveryFamilies managing Parkinsons care dont have to do it alone. Our services are designed to ease the burden of post-hospitalization recovery by providing: Personalized Care Plans: Tailored to the individuals stage of Parkinsons and rehabilitation needs. Medication Reminders and Assistance: Helping maintain the critical medication schedule. Mobility Support: Assisting with walking, transferring, and exercises to rebuild strength and prevent falls. Nutrition and Meal Support: Preparing nutritious meals that support energy and healing. Companionship and Emotional Support: Reducing anxiety, confusion, and isolation during the recovery process. Coordination with Healthcare Providers: Keeping families informed and ensuring therapy recommendations are carried out at home. We work hard to create an environment where patients can heal comfortably, maintain dignity, and reduce the risk of hospital readmission.Final ThoughtsHospital stays are never easy, especially when Parkinsons disease adds another layer of complexity. But with the right preparation, strong advocacy, and a smooth rehabilitation plan, families can help their loved ones achieve the best possible recovery.At Your Home Caregiving of Texas stands beside you every step of the way from hospital bedside to a safe and healing home environment. Our specialized Parkinsons care services ensure that patients get the compassionate, expert support they need to regain strength, confidence, and independence.When its time to transition home after hospitalization, trust At Your Home Caregiving of Texas to be your partner in care and recovery. At Your Home Caregiving of Texas is proud to support families living with Parkinsons disease through compassionate, expert care. For more resources and personalized caregiving solutions, explore the full Parkinsons Care Compass series or contact us today at 469-830-8414. Together, we can create a safer, stronger path to recovery one step at a time. If someone you care about is facing the challenges of Parkinson's, know that you're not alonewe're always here to help.
Many Colorado Seniors and Disabled Adults are concerned about the recent funding discussions about Federal, not State, Medicaid changes, and how they might impact Long-term Care Medicaid benefits here in Colorado. There are 40+ different Medicaid programs in the State of Colorado alone, which are funded differently. Some of these Medicaid programs will be impacted by Trumps changes.At this time, it is important to know that the Medicaid changes imposed do not affect Long-term Care Medicaid in Colorado. If you are currently receiving Long-term Care Medicaid benefits or considering applying, you can rest assured that your eligibility, services, and coverage remain intact. Long-term Care Medicaid has already been funded for 2025, therefore nothing will change this year. In addition, there have not been any major changes to Colorado Long-term Care Medicaid in 20 years, and we dont foresee any changes now. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your coverage or need assistance navigating the Long-term Care Medicaid process, please dont hesitate to reach out to Beneficent. www.DoingGoodForOthers.com/contactus
A simple accident, like tripping on a rug or slipping on a patch of ice, can change your life. Every year, more than one in four adults 65 years or older experience a fall contributing to over three million emergency department visits across the country.1 In 2023, Good Samaritan Hospital treated 787 trauma patients due to fall-related injuries, making falls the number one trauma injury seen in Good Samaritans Emergency Department. Simply stated, the risk of falling and fall-related problems increases as we age.Why do falls happen?Falls can result from a range of personal and environmental factors. Hazards like dimly lit rooms, steep stairs, and hard-to-reach shelves or storage areas present tripping risks. Additionally, as we age, changes in our vision, hearing, and overall health can raise the risk of falls.How to prevent fallsFall prevention is about identifying and mitigating as many risk factors for falling as possible. Take some time to do an inventory of your home and your physical health to see if there are any risks present. Once youve identified potential risk factors, you can take steps to address them. Remove home hazards. Remove clutter and items on the floor and in areas where you walk. Secure electrical cords so they dont block walkways, and secure or remove any area rugs that bunch or slip. Make home modifications. Install grab bars near the toilet and in your shower, install handrails along your stairs, have lightbulbs replaced or install new lights in dark hallways and rooms, and use non-slip mats in your shower or bathtub. Stay active. Regular physical activity and exercise keeps your muscles strong, prevents bone loss, and can improve your balance. Walking, water workouts, or Tai Chi are great activities that improve strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Be sure to consult your physician before beginning any new exercise program. Taking care of your overall health and acknowledging your risk factors for falling is extremely important as we age. If youre not sure where to start, schedule time with your primary care physician to discuss a plan for you or your loved one to keep you healthy, happy, and safe in your home and community. 1 About STEADI. (2024, April 22). Center for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/about/index.html Editors Note: This article was submitted by Lindsay Reinert, PMP, Marketing Specialist with Intermountain Health. She may be reached by email at lindsay.reinert@imail.org.
At FirstLightHome Care, you get to do something that matters. Something that makes a real difference.FirstLight Home Care hires Caregivers, Home Health Aides, CNAs, Care Coordinators, Companion Care and Personal Care Assistants who have integrity, a great capacity for compassion and empathy, and who value a rewarding career. We look for individuals who can help make everyday activities easier for our clients, and who have a genuine desire to enrich the lives of others and make the world a better place!Do you love helping people? Are you a caring, compassionate, active senior, parent, student, or friend? Looking for part or full time work? If so, we want to meet you! Call us today!
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