Why is Falling Serious for Seniors?Did you know that older adults often fear falling, even if they havent fallen in the past? This makes sense, because falling, even from something as simple as tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor can result in broken bones. For an older person, a broken bone is very serious, so for seniors, fall prevention is crucial. A fall can sometimes be the start of serious health problems or lead to long-term disability. More than one in four people over age 65 fall each year(Opens in a new window), and falling causes 90 percent of hip fractures. The risk of falling and breaking a bone increases with age, but there are proactive measures you can take to help your older loved ones reduce their risk of falling and increase their longevity. The first step is to identify fall risk factors with your loved ones, in order to take precautionary measures.Five Top Causes of FallsBy knowing the top causes of falls(Opens in a new window) in elderly people, you can take steps to protect your older loved ones.1. Impaired VisionOlder people often have vision problems like cataracts and glaucoma, which alter depth perception and visual acuity as well as limit their peripheral vision, making them more susceptible to glare. These issues can make it more difficult to navigate the home safely and anticipate or notice hazards in time to prevent a fall. Even wearing bifocal or varifocal lenses can affect depth perception and make it hard to go down stairs.2. Home HazardsIt is easy to overlook fall hazards in the home(Opens in a new window), but being proactive about removing them can greatly reduce the risk of falls. Home hazards include:Steps or stairways that are poorly lit or have loose/unsecure handrails or, worse, no handrailsPoorly lit hallways and walkwaysClutter blocking pathwaysPets that may get underfootLoose wires, rugs, or other objects that can cause trippingBathroom or kitchen tile without non-slip treadShowers and bathtubs without non-slip basins, or missing grab barsImportant items not kept within easy reaching distance3. MedicationCertain medications can cause side effects like dizziness, light-headedness, unsteadiness, drowsiness, blurred or double vision, and reduced mental alertness. Some medications can affect balance and cause a drop in blood pressure while standing. Taking four or more medicines, often referred to as polypharmacy, can increase the risk of falling(Opens in a new window), especially with those that are considered high risk medications. Opiates, diuretics, anti-depressants, sedatives, blood pressure medication and anticonvulsants are some examples of high-risk medications that pose a higher risk for falls among the elderly. It is important to talk to your doctor and be aware of any potential side effects.4. Weakness and Poor BalanceAs people age, they lose muscle mass. This can cause problems with balance and gait. To reduce muscle loss, older people should remain active and try balance and strength training exercises like yoga, Pilates and tai chi.5. Chronic ConditionsCertain conditions, like Parkinsons, hearing problems, diabetes, heart disease or issues with the thyroid, nerves, blood vessels or feet, can increase fall risk factors. Conditions like diabetes can cause neuropathy, which involves numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning in the feet, and this can make it difficult to walk without stumbling. Heart disease can also make people unsteady on their feet. Parkinsons disease is a neurodegenerative disease that causes motor symptom that include stiffness, tremor, impaired balance, shuffling gait, and changes to the center of gravity. Incontinence, which causes people to rush to the bathroom, can also increase the risk of falling(Opens in a new window).Preparing Your Home for Fall Prevention: How to Prevent FallsFall prevention at home for seniors is important for keeping your loved ones safe. Here are 10 tips to prevent falls at home(Opens in a new window).Check stairs and steps to make sure none are broken or uneven and all have sturdy handrails on either side. Install anti-slip stair treads for slippery hardwood stairs.Make sure there is adequate lighting, especially around entryways, in hallways and at the top and bottom of stairs.Install grab bars in the bathroom, by the toilet and in showers and tubs.Remove any throw rugs to prevent them from tripping.Keep pathways and stairways free from clutter.Consider adding strips of bright or contrasting colors in places you have trouble seeing, like the stairs or grab bars, handrails or any uneven surfaces.Keep commonly used items within easy reach to avoid the use of step stools and chairs.Install a bed rail to provide support getting in and out of bed.Clean spills immediately to reduce the risk of slipping.Fall-proof your bathroom with non-slip rubber grips in the shower or tub, a shower chair, hand-held shower head or even a walk-in bathtub.The Warning Signs and Risk Factors of FallingThe more risk factors(Opens in a new window) a person has, the greater the risk of falling. Pay attention to your older loved ones, looking for signs of the following risk factors,, and consider a risk assessment(Opens in a new window) if you are concerned about any of the following:Muscle weaknessWorsening eyesightDeclining hearingUneven gait or poor balancePain in hips, knees, ankles or feet, including injuries or stiffnessDependence on supports for walking, getting up or sitting downChronic physical ailments, including hypertension, diabetes, arthritis incontinence, or ParkinsonsCognitive impairment or declineNew prescription medications with side effects that can increase the risk of fallingOveruse of alcohol or abuse of narcoticsBlackouts or faintingChanges in sleeping habitsHigh Quality Care for Older AdultsBrightStar Care takes a comprehensive approach to fall prevention, pairing our unmatched clinical expertise with educational resources to help and empower families. Our agencies can perform a home safety evaluation, assessing possible risks and making recommendations regarding accessibility modifications. Then, at every reassessment, an RN will do a further safety check, educating the client and family on fall risks and ways to reduce them.Additionally, by contracting for home care with us, you will be ensuring that someone ist there to help with things that could be hazardous, like reaching high shelves, bathing, or climbing stairs. In some cases, physical therapy may be helpful in building strength to prevent falls. When you partner with BrightStar, you gain the assistance of a caring, compassionate team, dedicated to keeping your loved one safe and healthy.Find a BrightStar CareLocation Near YouLooking forin-home care servicesorassisted livingfor your loved one or areliable medical staffing partnerfor your organization? Our experienced local care team members are ready to help.Find a locationnear you,contact usonline, or call 866.618.7827 to speak with a local care expert and learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard.

Basics of Reverse Home MortgageA reverse home mortgage is a type of loan that allows homeowners to access a portion of their home equity without having to sell their home or make monthly mortgage payments. Unlike a traditional mortgage, the loan balance of a reverse mortgage increases over time and is typically only repaid when the homeowner sells the home or passes away.Differences from Traditional Mortgage Reverse mortgages do not require monthly mortgage payments, while traditional mortgages do. The loan balance of a reverse mortgage increases over time, while the loan balance of a traditional mortgage decreases over time as payments are made. Reverse mortgages are typically only repaid when the homeowner sells the home or passes away, while traditional mortgages are repaid over a set term. A Financial Solution for Seniors       For seniors, a reverse mortgage can be a great financial solution. It allows them to access the       equity in their homes without selling or giving up ownership.      Reverse mortgages are also a great way to supplement retirement income. They provide a steady stream of funds that can be used to cover living expenses.   With a reverse mortgage, seniors can enjoy their retirement years and have peace of mind knowing they have a reliable source of income.Reverse mortgages are also a great way to pass on wealth to heirs. The loan is paid off from the sale of the home, and the remaining equity is passed on to the heirs.Eligible homeowners obtain reverse mortgages for many reasons including:          Repairing or modifying the home to meet the physical needs of getting older         Supplementing retirement income to meet expenses         Managing the costs of in-home care         Paying off an existing mortgage         Paying increased bills due to inflation and economy         Paying property Taxes         Delaying Social Security         Providing a source of funds for living expenses in lieu of liquidating financial investments during     times of market downturn or disruption         Helping retirement savings last longer         Purchasing a retirement home  Recent ClientsA retired couple in their late 60s, John and Susan, were struggling to make ends meet on a fixed income, due to inflation and the cost of living increasing. They had significant equity in their home but were hesitant to sell it and downsize because of the current real estate market.  They decided to explore a reverse mortgage as an option to access their home's equity without having to sell it. The reverse mortgage allowed John and Susan to access their home's equity and use the funds to pay off their existing mortgage and cover their increased living expenses. They were able to stay in their home and maintain their quality of life, without having to worry about making monthly mortgage payments. Mary Anne, a retired infusion nurse, suffered some medical challenges and her insurance did not cover all of her additional expenses.  She decided a reverse mortgage was her best option. It allowed her funds to seek non-traditonal treatment and was able to eliminate the financial stress in her life, allowing her body to heal.A retired widow in his late 70s, James wants to stay in his home as long as possible. His home was mortgage free and he intends to leave it to his two children who live out of state. The reverse mortgage allowed him to access his home's equity and use the funds to make the modifications to continue staying in the home unassisted.It allows him the peace of mind knowing the has additional money to pay an in-home care giver if and when he needs one.He is able to stay in his own home and now worry about being a burden on his out of state children.  He expressed to me that feeling of relief is priceless.This article was submitted by Nicole Cramer with Anchor Funding, Inc.  Contact Nicole at 251-349-9891 or email her at nicole@cramergrp.com for more information about whether a reverse mortgage can work for you.

Often the hardest part of doing something new is getting started, and that's especially true about exercise. This article from AARP makes it easy to get started with the most important exercise to help you age healthy: squats. Five or ten squats are easy to do while you wait for the coffee to brew or the microwave to finish heating.Even when we're healthy we sometimes need a little extra help with the house or errands. Visit our website at www.rosehillathome.com to learn more about how Rose Hill Stay-at-Home Services can help you or a loved one stay in independent and at home.