There are a lot of good reasons why most seniors prefer to age in place. Staying in a place they’re proud of and where they’ve built so many memories can give them a sense of dignity and pride that lasts well into retirement.
You might have heard that most senior falls happen at home. That’s true, but it’s also true that many of those falls are preventable with the right preparations. By adding accessibility improvements to their home, handling cleaning and tidying for them and ensuring they maintain their balance through regular exercise, you can significantly reduce your loved one’s fall risk.
Here’s how.
Reducing Major Fall Risks for Austin Seniors
Austin offers a variety of options to help seniors reduce their risk of falling. From senior-friendly workout classes to improve strength and balance to help with cleaning and improving the home, there are plenty of resources to keep your loved one on their feet. Here are some of our favorites:
- Improve Stability—The Fun Way
After falling (or sometimes, after becoming aware of their fall risk), many seniors become understandably anxious about physical activity. Unfortunately, this can actually worsen issues with balance and coordination. Exercise is actually one of the best ways for seniors to maintain their coordination and stability, so it’s best for them to lean into it, even if they’re afraid.
Here’s the good news: There’s a series of fantastic exercise classes called SilverSneakers, available in many gyms and community centers across Austin, that makes it easier. They offer workouts specifically to help seniors build strength and balance while avoiding risky positions that may cause a fall. Their instructors lead with warmth and encouragement, helping older people push back against their fear of falling and regain confidence.
- Tidy Up Common Tripping Hazards
Some common causes of senior falls lie with the house itself. From loose carpets and darkened hallways to steep stairways with wobbly railings, many household annoyances can become tripping hazards for people with impaired balance. Fortunately, many of these issues can be addressed with a little ingenuity.
Start out with any easy fixes you can handle quickly. Tighten up loose railings, firm up the screws on wobbly chairs and replace any aging lightbulbs.
Next, identify any areas where your loved one might be struggling, and think of things you might be able to install or change to address them. It can be a plus to sit down with them and discuss what they need out of their house—it may help you identify some needs you can address.
Here are some common improvements you can make that may help:
- Add night lights to all walkways so any tripping hazards remain visible.
- Add reflective tape to the edges of steps.
- Install grab bars next to toilets, tubs and potentially beds.
- Add railings to any stairways that don’t already have them on both sides.
Finally, take an inventory of improvements that you can’t handle on your own, like stretching carpets to remove wrinkles or installing elevators. Don’t hesitate to get help from a trustworthy handyman for these. We recommend Cliff Robinson , who has been doing quality home improvements for Austin residents for five years.
- Get Them Help with Risky Tasks
Many seniors gain a sense of pride and dignity from living in a home they’re proud of. They care for it, and that comes with a natural desire to keep it clean. Tidying up also reduces fall risks by eliminating clutter on the floor (which is a tripping hazard).
Unfortunately, many cleaning tasks themselves pose fall risks. They often involve risky movements like reaching upward or bending downward, as well as unwieldy equipment like brooms, mops and vacuum cleaners.
One of the best ways to prevent seniors from falling while cleaning is to simply do it first. By tidying up before they get a chance, you can remove their temptation to engage in any cleaning tasks that might risk a fall.
You’ll need to do this frequently and consistently enough to get your loved one out of the habit of cleaning up, so it’s a great idea to schedule regular visits from a professional cleaning service like Merry Maids. They’ll keep the home free of clutter and tripping hazards, and they’ll take care of high and low areas that might be hazardous to seniors.
Find a Partner for Fall Prevention
One of the best ways to avoid falls is to get the right resources on your side—or at your side. A professional caregiver like those at FirstLight Home Care of Austin ensures your loved one always has a trusted companion they can lean on for support and stability.
Not only do our caregivers help seniors stay on their feet wherever they go, they also offer help around the home to reduce fall risk. They can offer aid with risky tasks like bathing and getting up, keep walkways clear of tripping hazards and even provide cooking services.
To learn more about your loved one’s care options, contact us.
