Proactive At-Home Modifications
To decrease the chances of your elderly family member falling at home, be proactive by making a few easy, modifications. For instance, you might want to:
- Remove bulky rugs from the home
- Install a stair lift
- Invest in a lift chair
- Install grab bars by the toilet, shower, and bed
- Purchase a raised toilet seat
- Install a seat in the shower
- Buy some nonslip mats for the shower or bathtub
- Invest in night lights for the bedroom, hallway, and bathroom
The Benefit of Low Impact Exercise
Encouraging your family member to exercise is also beneficial. Low impact workouts like walking, tai chi, or water aerobics help to decrease the risk of falls by improving:
- Balance
- Coordination
- Flexibility
- Strength
Obviously, you should consult with your loved one’s primary doctor before advising him or her to begin an exercise program. If you don’t feel qualified to develop your family member’s exercise routine, consider hiring an at home care provider. An at home care specialist can create a workout program tailored to your senior loved one’s specific needs.
Challenge of Everyday Tasks
Besides aiding with exercise, a living-at-home provider can perform everyday tasks your loved one can no longer safely complete. For example, your senior relative might benefit from a home health care specialist:
- Shopping for groceries
- Preparing meals
- Assisting with bathing
- Sweeping the floor
By making changes to your loved one’s home, helping him or her start an exercise program, and securing an at home care provider, you will likely reduce the risk of him or her falling. And, you will increase your elderly’s comfort and confidence levels.