When they’re afraid of falling, many older adults’ lives get smaller. They may stop going out during certain seasons, specific times of day or at all. They might avoid activities they used to love, miss out on important social events and become withdrawn.
The negative effects of a fear of falling go far beyond anxiety. The good news is, that means that helping seniors build confidence through proactive fall prevention has a huge impact on everything from their physical health to their emotional and mental health as well.
Here are our favorite fall prevention tips, as well as resources here in Plano to help you implement them.
Fall Prevention Tips and Strategies for Seniors in Plano
So many factors contribute to fall prevention: core strength, balance, a fall risk-reducing living space and more. Here are the best ways to address each factor in Plano:
- Start with the Right Foundation
The right pair of shoes builds confidence—not just as a fashion statement, but as a helpful fall prevention tool that provides comfort and stability.
Does a senior in your life feel unsteady or avoid walking or other exercise because it’s uncomfortable, tiring or painful? If so, their footwear may be part of the problem. It’s hard to overestimate just how much easier a pair of specialized shoes can make it to to walk or just stand comfortably and stably. That goes double for older adults, who really benefit from the extra cushioning and support.
If a senior in your life needs a good pair of running or walking shoes, resist the temptation to order online. It’s crucial that they try their new shoes on to make sure they fit right and feel good, so it’s best to take them shoe shopping in person. They’ll get the best results from an athletic shoe store like Dallas Running Company that offers gait analysis. By analyzing how they move, they can match your loved one to a shoe and insole combo that offers them the perfect combination of cushioning, support and stability for their needs.
- Talk About It
If your loved one is avoiding social plans due to a fear of falling, it may help them to talk to a trained professional and/or a group of peers who understand what they’re going through. They’ll get both important social time and hopefully put some of their fears to rest.
The Wellness Center for Older Adults provides opportunities for exactly that. Their services include individual counseling for seniors, as well as for family caregivers. They also offer informal “Front Porch” get-togethers, where seniors can gather and spend time together in a more relaxed setting.
They also provide a variety of services that can help seniors recovering from a fall, like Durable Medical Equipment loans and support with meals, errands and wellness checks.
- Make the Right Environment
An important factor in fall prevention is ensuring your loved one’s home is well-maintained and ensuring they don’t take on precarious maintenance tasks themselves. You or another non-professional may be able to handle a lot of these tasks, like:
- Ensuring there are no loose folds in any area rugs and removing them or adding carpet tape to keep them from sliding
- Adding night lights, especially between their room and the bathroom
- Handling any tasks that would require a ladder, like changing light bulbs, replacing air filters, and cleaning gutters
- Removing clutter, especially from doors, hallways and stairs
When it comes to more complicated repairs or if you’re looking to make upgrades like installing grab bars, it’s likely time to call in a professional handyman. They can keep your loved one’s home in great shape, as well as adding accessibility improvements to make aging in place easier and more enjoyable.
Get Professional Help with Fall Prevention in Plano
Often, having a knowledgeable, steadfast shoulder to lean on makes all the difference in reducing both fear of falling and falls themselves. That’s where FirstLight Home Care of Plano comes in.
Our caregivers are specially trained to help your loved one age in place wherever they call home safely and confidently. Whether that’s helping with mobility, providing transportation and reassurance to help them get out of the house or handling light housekeeping that keeps walkways clutter-free, we’re here to make every day their best day.
Reach out today to learn more about your care options or request a consultation.
