When people grow older and have weaker limbs, balance, and coordination, there is a higher risk of falling. Falls are one of the most common causes of lost independence, and some older adults do not manage to fully recover from the trauma caused by the fall. This results in declining health and increases their need for care. Here at our senior living community, we do our utmost to ensure that our residents are always safe. Read on to find out more about the causes of falls in the elderly and how to prevent that.
Weaker Balance
When people get older, they may have a weaker sense of balance which makes it more challenging for them to move. In a typical human body, several bodily systems work together to keep the person upright. A weaker balance could ultimately lead to a fall.
Poor Eyesight
Another reason for falls in the elderly is poor vision. As people grow older, their eyesight tends to become poorer, which makes it more difficult to see what is in the way or what is blocking the path. If the path is cluttered, there is a higher risk of tripping over something and falling.
Decreased Strength
As people get older, they tend to have less strength, especially in their legs. This could mean that there is an increased chance of falling as the legs may give way.
Loss of Flexibility
Becoming less flexible over time is also another possible reason for falls in the elderly. As people age, certain types of health conditions can make them less flexible, especially in the ankles and the hips, resulting in more falls.
Ways to Prevent Falls
If you are thinking about creating a safer home environment and reducing the likelihood of an elderly experiencing a fall, there are a few things you can do. The first thing to do is to ensure that the room has sufficient lighting and is not too cluttered. This is to ensure that the elderly can see where they are walking, and reduce the likelihood of them tripping on something. You should also encourage the elders at home to exercise regularly in order to build flexibility, balance, and strength.
If they are complaining about their vision, you should bring them to see a doctor in order to catch any problems with their sight early. In cases where they need canes or walkers to get from one place to another, ensure that the canes and walkers are well fitted to provide maximum support.
Here at Conservatory At Alden Bridge, our team of dedicated staff does our best to ensure that the elderly are always safe and secure and that any risks of falling are minimized. Our residents are our top priority and our dedicated team is always working hard to make sure residents are happy and healthy. If you are on the lookout for a senior living community for yourself or a loved one, feel free to check out Conservatory at Alden Bridge today.
