As people age, their risk of falling increases. A fall can lead to hip fractures, brain injuries, a loss of mobility and other serious complications. If you have an elderly parent, you may be worried about them suffering a fall. The last thing you want is for your parent to get hurt and have to deal with the complications from it. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your parent’s risk of falling.
Make Your Parent Has Calcium in Their Diet
The stronger your parent’s bones are, the less likely they will be to suffer fractures during a fall. Adequate calcium intake is needed for strong bones, so make sure your parent has plenty of this nutrient in their diet. Good sources of calcium include milk, yogurt, broccoli, cheese, tofu and nuts. If your parent isn’t getting enough calcium from their diet, ask their doctor if they should take calcium supplements.
Encourage Your Parent to Exercise
Regular exercise can help your parent improve their strength, flexibility and balance, reducing the risk of falls. If they happen to stumble, they will have a better chance of catching themselves before they fall to the ground. Encourage your parent to do a variety of different exercises, such as walking, swimming, yoga and lifting weights.
Monitor Your Parent’s Medications
It’s likely that your elderly parent takes at least one or two medications every day. Some of these medications may cause dizziness, confusion and other side effects that can increase the risk of falling. If you notice that your parent is experiencing these side effects after taking medication, talk to their doctor about possibly changing medications.
Remove Household Hazards
Take a look around your parent’s house and see if there any tripping hazards. Are there piles of clutters in the hallways? Are there small rugs? These can also increase the risk of falling and need to be removed as soon as possible.
Purchase Your Parent Sensible Shoes
The type of shoes your parent wears can make a big difference on their risk of falling. Buy your parent a pair of non-skid, rubber-soled shoes to lower their risk of falling.
Make Modifications to the Bathroom
Bathrooms have slippery surfaces, so they’re a common place for seniors to fall. That’s why you should consider making some modifications to your parent’s bathroom. Put non-slip bath mats on the floors and install grab bars inside the bathtub and next to the toilet.
Hire a Home Nurse
If your elderly parent is at risk of falling and needs extra help around the house, consider hiring a home nurse. This healthcare professional can assist with everything from administering medication to bathing. A home nurse can look after your elderly parent and make sure that they don’t fall.
If your parent needs extra assistance at home, it may be time to hire a home nurse. Schedule interviews with several candidates and make sure to check references before making a hiring decision.