Falls are one of the leading risks that elderly adults face. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year millions of Americans throughout the United States experience a fall. Among these, many will end up meeting medical care in the emergency room, and may need an extended hospitalization. Falls are the number one cause of non-fatal injury among senior adults. In fact, 95% of hip fractures among elderly adults are caused by falls. The seniors are at particular risk of suffering falls due to many different factors, including weakness in the muscles and joints, loss of bone mass, low vision, and more. For those seniors who experience dizziness on a regular basis, such as due to low blood pressure, the effects of certain medications, or other issues, falls are an even greater risk. Fortunately, there are ways that you can help your senior reduce the risk that they will suffer falls even when experiencing dizziness.
Use these tips to reduce falls for seniors who experience dizziness:
- Encourage them to take their time. Rushing to change position, such as standing up from a chair, can cause your senior to lose their balance and fall. When they are standing up or sitting up from a lying-down position, encourage your parent to move slowly and gradually in order to reduce their dizziness and stay controlled.
- Stay properly hydrated. Dizziness is frequently caused or worsened by dehydration. Make sure your parent knows how much they should be drinking each day, and that they keep up with this amount. Keep in mind hydration needs increase with heat, humidity, exertion, and illness. If your parent has a particular concern or issue that might limit the amount of fluid they should consume each day, talk to their doctor to make sure they follow the guidelines effectively.
- Provide support. If your parent experiences dizziness frequently, especially if it comes on suddenly, it is important that they have access to support to reduce the risk of falls. Having a home care provider in the home with your senior throughout the day can be a valuable way to ensure your parent has the support they need even when you are not available.
Being a family caregiver can be one of the most meaningful decisions you make during your life. This is an opportunity for you to spend quality time with your parent, give back to them, show them your love and respect, and make sure they get the care they need throughout their later years. This role can also be one of the most challenging and sometimes overwhelming you can experience as well. You may find yourself feeling as though you are unable to fulfill your parent’s needs in the ways they need and deserve, or that they would benefit from further care. Fortunately, home care can help. An in-home care provider can be with your aging parent on a customized schedule to fill care gaps, handle care tasks that are too challenging or that you do not feel comfortable managing, and ensure you have the time to handle other obligations in your life. This will relieve your stress, support quality of life, and allow you to focus on your relationship with your parent while knowing they have everything they need to manage their individual challenges and issues.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING IN-HOME CAREGIVERS IN LAS VEGAS, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE. CALL TODAY 702-800-4616.