Do you often have concerns that your elderly loved one is going to fall while they are home alone? This is a concern that so many family members have in regard to their elderly loved ones. The truth is that falls do happen a lot among senior citizens. With this being said, you might want to know what the chances are that your elderly loved one will fall. While it can’t be said with certainty what your elderly loved one’s chances of falling are, there are some things that might increase their fall risk. Home care aides can monitor their safety.
Balance/Mobility Issues
Home Care Islip NY – Chances of Your Elderly Loved One Falling
Your elderly loved one might have balance or mobility issues. There are numerous things that can cause someone to have balance issues. Old age, chronic pain, hearing, vision changes, and medication side effects are all things that could cause your elderly loved one to lose their balance and fall. There are different things that can cause mobility issues, as well. Chronic pain conditions and other health issues can be primary causes for these issues. If your elderly loved one can’t get around on their own easily, they might have a higher chance of falling. If this is the case, you might want to hire home care providers to help your loved one move around.
Bad Vision
Another reason why your elderly loved one might have a higher fall risk is due to bad vision. If your elderly loved one can’t see well, they are much more likely to trip and fall on things. There are many things that can cause bad vision. Some of these things include the following:
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
- Astigmatism
- Medication side effects
- Tiredness
If your elderly loved one can’t see well, you should have them go to their eye doctor. They might need glasses. If they already have glasses, they might need an upgraded prescription.
Weakness in the Legs
There are also many health conditions that can cause weakness in the legs. If your elderly loved one’s legs are weak, it can make it difficult for them to stand up well on their own. Some of the things that can cause weakness in the legs include the following:
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Neurological disorders
- Sciatica
- Herniated discs
These are just some of the things that can cause your elderly loved one’s legs to be weak. If this is a problem for your loved one, you should have them see their doctor. However, even with the proper treatment, they might need help from caregivers to move around from now on.
Home Care Aides can Help with Monitoring Your Loved One
These are some of the ways that you know your elderly loved one has a higher risk of falling. While there is no saying what your elderly loved one’s exact risk of falling is, if they have these issues, it is best to have someone keep an eye on them. By doing so, you can lower their chances of falling.
Sources:https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0401/p2173.html#:~:text=What%20are%20some%20causes%20of,likely%20to%20trip%20or%20slip.