Is your elderly loved one still living in her home or apartment? Does she plan to stay there for as long as possible? If she is, she’s not alone. Increasingly, seniors are opting to “age in place.” Aging in place is the desire to stay in the home one knows and loves as one ages, rather than moving into a senior living community, such as an assisted living facility or a nursing home. It provides your loved one with the joy that comes from having her place and having the freedom to do the things she wants when she wants. If your loved one does struggle to perform some home care chores, consider having a home care provider visit weekly to help her with chores that might put her more at risk of falling or injuring herself.
For many seniors, aging in place is a great option for their golden years, but as a loving family member, you might have some concerns about their health and safety.
How Common are Falls in the Elderly
According to the U.S. CDC, in 2024, falls were the leading cause of injury for the elderly. About 25% of those over the age of 65 report falling every year (and those are just the ones reporting the falls – actual numbers are probably higher). Of course, not all falls cause serious injury, but enough of them do that they are the leading cause of injury for the elderly and can cause your loved one pain, a hospital visit, or even death. Preventing falls while your loved one is aging in place should be a top concern for you and your loved one.
Five Proactive Steps You Can Take to Prevent a Fall
Even if your loved one has not fallen yet, it can help to take some steps to reduce her risk of falling and injuring herself now. These five simple suggestions are not extremely expensive and don’t require any major renovations to where she lives, but could prevent her from injuring herself from falling.
- Make sure all lightbulbs are working. Dimly lit areas increase the risk of falls by making it more difficult to see when there are items on the floor that could cause tripping.
- In the bedroom, place a sturdy chair so that your loved one can sit while getting dressed instead of trying to balance on one foot while putting on pants.
- In the bathroom, look for ways to make getting in and out of the tub or shower easier. You might purchase a shower chair for sitting on during a shower or add a sturdy grab bar to provide support.
- Keep floors and stairs cleared off and rugs smooth. If a rug cannot lie flat and be non-slip, you should consider replacing it.
- Store commonly used items at a height that doesn’t require using a step stool or ladder to reach.
Consider Getting Home Care Help
A home care provider can assist with carrying laundry up a flight of stairs, taking garbage out to the curb, or cleaning areas that are out of reach for your loved one. With a few minimum household adjustments, as well as regular assistance around the home, your loved one will reduce her risk of falling and injuring herself.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/index.html
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Services in Tustin, CA, please call the caring staff at Canaan Home Care today! 1-844-CANAAN-1 (1-844-226-2261)
Canaan Home Care – A Premier Provider of Senior Home Care in the La Jolla, Del Mar, San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Tustin, and Manhattan Beach areas.
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