Are you afraid of falling? Are you afraid that if you fall you'll break a hip? Do you stay inside because of it? Falling is a very real fear that immobilizes people from enjoying their lives, but there are some simple preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of falling. Talking to your Doctor, exercising, wearing proper footwear, removing hazards from around your home, taking calcium and supplements and having a home maker are some ways to help.
Talk to your Doctor.
This may sound very obvious yet sometimes there are concerns that need to be considered such as side affects to medications. Quite often people are on various medications for different health problems. You might be recuperating from an illness, a cold or flu bug. Remembering to take your right medications at the right time is of the utmost importance. Just imagine you could fall and hit your head on a cabinet or chair and are lie helplessly on the floor. If you forgot to take your medication what are you going to do? There are different safety measures you can take to insure that doesn't happen to you. You could use Medic Alert which connects you to an alarm system that notifies emergency teams. You could use a medicine dispenser. You could have someone come to remind you to take your medications which would save some nasty incidents as well as the stress.
Exercise
A man who had had knee surgery and his doctor had told him that if he did some light exercise routines his recovery time would be shorter. Now this gentleman figured that if he exercised after the surgery it would be even better before the surgery. He started going to the gym and really working hard to get himself in shape. I believe that a daily exercise routine of 10-15 minutes will help you in so many ways as well as prevent falls. If you should happen to take a little tumble the amount of time it takes to recover will be reduced. Exercise strengthens and will give you better balance, coordination and flexibility. Walking will also help your digestion and reduces stress. Remember - good walking shoes are a must!
Proper Footwear
What we wear on our feet makes a huge difference to one's well-being. Currently, Croc Shoes are popular to wear and my mother wears them all the time. I have a sister who lives in and mother who is 82 stays there with my sister for the winter. My mom has multiple pairs in different colors which she swears are the best. While walking down the sidewalk, she tripped and fell not once, but twice - all within a 2 week period. First time, she broke a rib, which other than keeping yourself bound up, with reduced mobility; there is nothing you can do to help heal. The second time she fell and fractured her wrist requiring a splint on her wrist for 6 weeks. The moral of the story is - for your safety, I recommend that you invest in some good footwear. You need your feet to get out into the great outdoors especially now, with spring and summer weather. Proper fitting secure shoes with non skid soles will reduce injuries. Having a chair or hall bench to sit on while putting on your shoes on is another great safety measure use a long handled shoe horn to aid you in comfortable bending.
Household Hazards
Dark hallways, tables, electrical cords, cabinets and rugs are all "accidents waiting to happen". Hallways need to be well light to avoid accidents -even if you have to use a night light Do it! If you use a walker to get around your home you probably need space to manoeuvre so move tables out of the way. Furnishings are always best put up against a wall while still very useful. Area rugs look nice but can get bunched up, making them a hazard. Some walkers have rubber stops on the bottom of the legs which can easily send you tumbling. An electrical cord keep things plugged in and working but by keeping them taped together behind things is much safer. Simply stated please rid your floor of such hazards or clutter to prevent tripping leading. As much as possible, keep walkways and corridors free of any obstacles.
Diet
It is well understood that as we age, our bones becomes brittle, our muscles and joints tend to seize up. As we age our bones become brittle and break due to loss of calcium. Eat a healthy diet of calcium enriched foods like: milk, yogurt and some cheeses; vegetables like broccoli, green beans, and okra; nuts such as almonds, and hazelnuts; fish, and some fresh fruits.
A good calcium and vitamin supplement are beneficial methods to be proactive and remain independent. Earlier, it was recommended to communicate with your Doctor ( & family) about side affects of medications, and be sure to inquire for good supplements to take if not already doing so. The key factor to consider when buying calcium supplements is the amount of calcium your body can absorb.
Lastly
Following these steps, talking to your doctor, exercise, footwear and eating a well balanced diet will enhance your quality of life by enabling you to enjoy the freedom of living independently in your own surroundings. As the population of older members of our communities grows, the ranks of family caregivers are swelling. Many are now primary caregivers for family members. Health care professionals see this as more cost effective and greater independence by having seniors aging in place rather than in the large institutions. When family members end up providing care, with many caregivers juggling a multitude of demandson their time due to aging parents, children, work, while managing a household, it doesn't take long before burnout happens. It can be intensely difficult for adult children who are trying to take care of their aging family members. Having a homemaker service provide some care can alleviate the demands on family members. It can also provide companionship.
Not all falls can be prevented but by being proactive and exercising daily, eating a healthy diet and removing hazards in your home you can reduce the risk.
Author Bio of Jo-Ann Keith
Jo-Anns desire to help people led her to take the two year Human Service Worker diploma program at Okanagan College. Her friendly and outgoing personality demonstrates great care and support for those under her care.
Jo-Ann has her First Aid, CPR, Food Safe and is bondable. She has four years working experience in an extended care facility and an assisted living complex. Keith has also worked in group homes that support people with developmental disabilities and mental health illness. Additionally, Jo-Ann has volunteer experience with the blind.
Most recently Jo-Ann Keith has started out on her own to start Caring 4 U Support Services. The services she offers to her clients are Life Skills Coaching, Home Support, Community Connecting, and some Respite. All of the services offered are client centered. You may reach Caring 4 U Support Services at 250-765-8949.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
