While implementing adaptive devices in the home is a proactive step towards preventing falls, the most important approach to take for fall prevention is building the senior’s strength, balance, and flexibility. There is not a medication for fall prevention. What it takes is a proactive approach including consistency, direction, and a plan.
Here are three simple things seniors can do daily at home, without needing specialized equipment to build their strength, balance and flexibility:
1. The Chair: Have the senior sit tall in the chair. Instruct them to stand up and sit down ten times. If your person is unstable stand in from of them and hold their hands while performing this exercise. Do this every day and your senior will be able to stand from a chair without struggle and rocking.
2. The Wall: Have your senior stand close to a wall with hands and arms extended with elbows straight, and palms flat against the wall. Make sure good body mechanics is implemented. Now instruct your person to bend elbows, getting their face close to the wall, and then push back against the wall, extending their arms. This is like a standing push-up. Do this as many times as tolerated and repeat consistently every day.
3. The Floor: For flexibility have your senior stand on tip-toes, then lower to a flat standing position. Repeat this several times. While holding onto your seniors arms, facing them, have them try raising one foot and then another to increase balance.
Encourage your person to take walks with others for both strengthening and socialization. This aerobic exercise helps improve oxygenation and circulation.
Shoes are an important wardrobe consideration. Make sure they fit well, have non-slip soles and arch supports. The use of arch supports protect the hips, legs, and feet. Foot care is an important strategy for good mobility. Podiatrists make sure toe nails are trimmed, callouses are removed, and good shoe fitting is established.
Finally, medical alert systems, remote patient monitoring and electronic companion devices are essential additions if a senior lives alone and does fall. Immediate first responder responses can save lives. Call us for our companion electronic devices that are easily installed and comes with peace of mind.
Diane Dennis, R.N.
Age Well Expert
www.AgeAtHomeService.com
503-320-9604
Diane Dennis, RN, Geriatric Case Manager, owner of Age At Home Service. Contact
Email us at diane@AgeAtHomeService.com