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No one wants to experience a fall, but for those over 55, a fall can lead to serious injury. That’s why learning how to prevent falls is so important for healthy aging.
Here’s a look at why falls happen, why preventing them is important, and some exercises and activities that can help older adults build balance and stability, while actually being fun and engaging.
Here are some common reasons why seniors fall:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year, resulting in more than 32,000 deaths. One out of every five falls causes an injury, such as a broken bone or head injury.
Working on flexibility, stability, stretching and strength are vital when your goal is to prevent falls so you can live a long and healthy life. Many of the movements are simple, and many are fun activities as well. Always remember to take your time, do what feels comfortable, and breathe deeply. Here are just a few suggested exercises to prevent falls.
Dancing is a wonderful exercise for aerobic fitness, weight management, muscle and bone strength and endurance. In addition, moving through space in different directions and in different ways improves static and dynamic balance, spatial awareness, coordination, and reaction time. Dancing is also an excellent way to get all the benefits of socializing and interacting with others on a regular basis. And it can be a lot of fun!
The National Council on Aging reports that many studies have shown Tai Chi to be one of the most effective exercises to prevent falls. Tai Chi targets leg strength, flexibility, range of motion, and reflexes.
According to the Tai Chi for Health Institute, with regular practice, Tai Chi improves balance by strengthening muscles and co-ordination; at the same time, it strengthens the mind, thereby improving calmness and confidence in not falling. Thus, both physically and mentally, Tai Chi is an extremely effective exercise when your goal is to prevent falls.
Yoga is good for so many things that affect healthy aging: reducing stress, treating fatigue, lessening pain, and perhaps most importantly, increasing core strength and balance. This last one can reduce the risk of falling.
You don’t have to do complicated moves to the benefits. For example, the simple mountain pose can help you improve your posture and body awareness. Stand tall, weight distributed evenly on both feet, keep your knees slightly bent. Draw your shoulder blades together and down your back. Relax your arms and let your palms face forward. Breathe deeply and relax.
No special equipment required, just a good pair of walking shoes and a place to walk (indoors or outdoors). Add a friend or two and you have a fun way to get a workout that doubles as a balance booster!
According to Harvard Health, walking strengthens the muscles in the lower body. It also is a great way to stretch muscles and thus improve your posture, which in turn, can improve your balance. Don’t worry about distance, especially if you are beginning a walking program. And don’t hesitate to use a cane or walker if you need one. As you feel stronger, add more minutes to your walks. Try to walk at least 150 minutes a week. Wear comfortable clothing, walk with confidence, and breathe deeply.
Here’s an easy move that can help improve your balance. You might begin by being near a wall or a chair to help steady you or hold someone’s hand if needed. Simply step across in front of your right foot with your left leg. Continue moving across the room sideways, uncrossing the left leg. Repeat. When ready, just reverse direction. Wear smooth-bottomed shoes and concentrate on your movements.
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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.
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.
What do Richard Simmons and Bob Saget have in common? The curly-haired fitness advocate and comedian, actor, TV host were both household names and they both died as a result of a fall.Over 1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 fall every year, resulting in 3 million annual emergency department admissions. Every 11 seconds an older adult is admitted to the ER, and every 19 minutes an older adult dies from a fall.The reality is that falls can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. Here are some essential fall precautions to help you stay safe and reduce your risk.Assess Your Health FactorsIn order to prevent falls, first you need to evaluate how likely you are to suffer one. Older adults are particularly susceptible due to impaired vision, chronic conditions that affect mobility, weakened muscles or certain medications. If you or a loved one fall into any of these categories, that puts you more at risk for a fall, speak with a care provider to see if they can address any of these conditions to reduce your risk.Address Your Mobility ConcernsIf you or a loved one struggles to move around freely, dont hesitate to utilize assistive devices. Walkers and canes are affordable solutions to mobility impairment, while shower chairs or bed rails can help you with some of the most routine parts of the day. Appropriate footwear can be another easy solution to mobility concerns. Buy socks with grip on the bottom or shoes that can be easily slipped on and worn around the house to avoid the possibility of slipping and sliding on hardwood floors.Accident-Proof Your HomeAccident-proofing is the most easily controllable method of fall prevention. While falls can happen anywhere, theyre most likely to occur where you spend the most timeat home. With that in mind, you can make your home safer by doing the following: Clearing clutter on the floor and stairs Making sure hallways and stairways are well-lit Securing rugs and other floor coverings with non-slip adhesives Keeping everyday items in easily accessible places that dont require much bending or climbingAsk for HelpYou dont have to tackle fall precautions alone. Numerous professional organizations and experts are ready to provide you with all the additional resources you need. The National Council on Aging and local Area Agencies on Aging, for instance, are great resources for fall prevention. SYNERGY HomeCare also offers a comprehensive Fall Prevention Guide and can provide a free in-home assessment with a professional caregiver who can come to your home and identify its biggest risks. SYNERGY HomeCare can also provide you with an around-the-clock team of professional caregivers who are trained to provide much-needed respite care when aging-related difficulties arise. If you have any questions, please contact us at 720-204-5788.
Sometimes seniors who have recently had surgery or intensive inpatient rehabilitation may find they are not quite ready to return home when they are discharged. We have good news for you! Heritage Pointe located in Omaha, Nebraska now offers short-term Respite Care for seniors who are not yet ready to return home after a hospital or rehab stay. Respite Care is a great way to fill in the gap between hospital, rehab and home. Respite Care offers that extra bit of assistance, support, and time to get stronger and healthier before returning home. At Heritage Pointe, we work with your physical therapists and your primary care physician to coordinate continued physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any other assistance you may require, and well bring it to you right here on our campus. When you are ready to return home, we will make that step easy too.Heritage Pointe is also proud to offer its residents and area seniors quality Home Health care through our partnership with Heritage OnCare.