As loved ones age, they want to maintain their independence and continue aging in place safely in their cherished homes. However, age-related issues such as limited mobility and chronic illness can make daily activities more challenging and increase the risk of injury. To help older adults live comfortably and safely at home, a compassionate and RN-supervised caregiver from Jewish Family Home Care can help. We offer expert in-home care services designed to support older adults in maintaining their independence while staying safe.
Keep Older Loved Ones Safe and Active
Every year, millions of seniors, age 65 and over, experience fall-related injuries. Falls can be devastating for older adults, potentially leading to painful injuries, a disability, overall decline in health, or even a move to a nursing home. According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among seniors. Even the fear of falling can cause older adults to limit their activities, leading to social isolation and a decreased quality of life.
While increased awareness has helped seniors recognize the dangers of falling, it can also create a cycle of fear that may lead to decreased mobility and confidence. If your loved one has experienced a fall, they may become overly cautious, reducing their activity in order to prevent another fall. This inactivity can result in weaker muscles, poor balance, and an increased risk of future falls.
Understanding Fall Risk Factors
Researchers have identified several major risk factors for fall-related accidents based on a combination of different health conditions and environmental surroundings. Customized in-home care services from the experts at Jewish Family Home Care can provide the assistance needed to mitigate these risks, helping seniors maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. The following are some of the most common fall risk factors and the ways we can help:
- Physical changes of aging: Common health conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, vision loss, or the effects of a stroke, can make older adults more vulnerable to falls. Our in-home caregivers can provide mobility support and assist with daily activities.
- Hazards in the home: The home environment can become dangerous due to trip and fall hazards, poor lighting, clutter, and more. Our caregivers can assist by performing light housekeeping services to help maintain a safe and tidy home.
- Medication side effects: The use of medications such as antidepressants, painkillers, drugs for blood pressure, and many others can affect balance and increase the risk of falls. Our caregivers provide supervision and assistance to ensure older adults are safe at home, while also noting any changes in health or stability.
- Inactivity: A lack of physical activity often leads to muscle loss and poor balance. By encouraging physician-approved daily exercise, our caregivers can help seniors maintain strength and coordination.
What You Can Do to Prevent Falls
Falls are preventable. To help prioritize safety and independence for older adults at home:
- Talk to a physician: Speak with your loved one’s healthcare provider to evaluate their risk for falling, review side effects of their medicines, and discuss any mobility concerns.
- Exercise: Physician-approved exercises, like tai chi, will improve your loved one’s balance and strength.
- Have regular vision checkups: Make sure seniors visit their eye doctor once a year for a checkup and update eyeglass prescriptions if needed.
- Make the home safer: Install grab bars in the bathroom, make sure lighting is adequate throughout the home, secure or remove rugs, and clean up clutter that may cause tripping.
- Ask for help: An in-home caregiver from Jewish Family Home Care can provide the necessary support to enhance safety throughout the senior’s home.
How Our In-Home Care Can Help
At Jewish Family Home Care, we provide older adults with a safe, dignified, and independent lifestyle in the comfort of their own homes. Our award-winning in-home care services are tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring they receive the best possible support. We offer:
- Friendly, engaging companionship
- Light housekeeping for a safe and tidy home
- Planning and preparing nutritious meals
- Specialized dementia care
- Assistance with bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom
- Encouragement for physician-approved exercise
- Chronic illness care
- Assistance with walking
- Overnight and 24-hour care
- Respite care for family caregivers
- Personal Emergency Response systems (PERS)
Get Started With Our In-Home Care Services
Confidence is a major factor in fall prevention. Our experienced and trained caregivers can give seniors the assistance they need in order to feel confident living in their homes. From daily support to specialized fall prevention strategies, our RN-supervised team is dedicated to ensuring your loved one’s well-being.
As the largest and most trusted home care agency in Broward County, we are committed to providing high-quality services that help older adults of all faiths maintain their independence. If you’re ready to improve your loved one’s safety and quality of life, reach out to us online or at 954-908-5677 to set up a complimentary consultation. Our team proudly serves families in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Parkland, and all of Broward County.
Let’s work together to keep your loved one safe, confident, and thriving at home.