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in-home services for the elderly in Kolkata, Delhi & Gurgaon
Mar 30, 15

TIPS TO PREVENT SENIOR SLIPS AND FALLS

Did you know?

Injuries resulting from slips and falls cause most number of deaths in people above 65 years of age.

While slips and falls might seem like a minor case of accident, these small injuries can lead the senior patients to come face to face with life-changing situations. These conditions are very difficult to treat at such an age and they mostly leave a life-long impairment behind. Therefore, if you wish to avoid such situations to impact the physical and the mental wellness of your loved ones, you must focus on ways and means to prevent them from happening. Here are a few ways in which you can take precautions.

  1. Be prepared for the risks

While it’s not uncommon for an aged person to trip and fall, some factors might increase the risks. You should be more vigilant and careful towards your elderly parent or relative if he/she suffers from health conditions such as- Alzheimer’s, dementia, terminal illnesses, Parkinson’s or any other form of degenerative disorder.

  1. Get them to exercise regularly.

Regular exercise can improve mobility, flexibility, balance and physical strength.  Plan a light fitness regime for your loved one to help them remain physically strong. To motivate them further, you can also join them. Take them for walks and make these activities enjoyable for them.

  1. Keep all areas of your home well-lit

If you have an elderly person at home, make sure the rooms of your house always have a proper lighting. Use night lights in common corridors and bathrooms at night.

  1. Keep the floor clutter-free

Anything right from clothing or shoes to toys or area rugs can be a trap door for accidents. Keeping the floor area clean can reduce the risks of slip and fall to a large extent. Try to keep the walking space clear by using waste baskets for throwing waste paper or cloths. Also keep an eye on electrical cords since tripping over them might cause serious accidents.

  1. Use non-slip mats.

Your kitchen and bathroom should have non-slip mats. Also clean your bathroom floors regularly so that they do not develop slimy layer on top of the floor surface.

  1. Bright colors and bells.

Having pets around can also be a serious threat to an aged person. He/she might unknowingly step on the animals and fall or be bitten.  Therefore, put bright coloured collars on them and tie a small bell around their neck. This will ensure that the elderly members of your family can see or hear them in advance.