How Elderly Care Providers Help Seniors Avoid Slip and Fall Accidents

One of the most dangerous things that aging adults can do in their own home is to have a slip and fall accident. Due to poor balance, bad vision, weak muscles, dizziness and slow reflects, seniors have a high risk for injuring themselves in a fall. Such injuries can be quite serious and take months or even years to recover. As aging adults require more help from others to live at home on their own, many family caregivers are turning to elderly care providers to help out. The in-home care provided by elderly care providers can significantly reduce the likelihood of a slip and fall.

What Causes Slip and Fall Accidents?

Slip and fall accidents are quite common with elderly adults because they are the result of a combination of factors—the aging adult and the conditions. When seniors, weakened and unsteady from age-related health issue try to maneuver in a space that is slippery, cluttered or otherwise hard to move through, it can result in serious problems. The most dangerous place in the house is the bathroom, as it is usually wet and slippery and aging adults are having to bend, twist, reach and grasp.

When seniors have a slip and fall accident, they can seriously injure themselves because they have slower reflexes and weaker bones. Concussions, broken bones, cuts and scrapes can all take months to heal in an elderly adult. If the aging adults are alone when they fall, it could also lead to several hours before they are discovered and helped.

Elderly Care Providers Reduce the Risks

Any elderly adult that struggles with mobility and living independently would benefit from having in-home care provided by an elderly care provider. Family caregivers can hire these professionals to help with all the senior’s needs. They are trained to put the aging adult’s health and wellness as a top priority, looking out for them in every situation, from bathing and dressing to moving around the house. It’s definitely a relief for family caregivers and their elderly loved ones to know that a compassionate and experienced elderly care provider is there to assist.

Other things that family caregivers and elderly care providers can do to reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents is to make modifications to the home. If thresholds between rooms are uneven, they should be lowered or removed as they can cause tripping. Installing grab bars in the shower and tub and near the toilet can provide stability. Eliminate fluffy throw rugs and use no-slip bath mats. Remove clutter from walkways and position furniture along clear traffic paths.

There’s a lot of risk for aging adults in their own home when it comes to slip and fall accidents. Having an elderly care provider on hand is the best way for seniors to avoid falling and injuring themselves. If family caregivers can’t be there all the time, elderly care providers may be the next best thing.

If you are considering elderly care in Columbus, OH for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Lantern West Health today at 614-594-7474.