When they\u2019re afraid of falling, many older adults\u2019 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 They might avoid activities they used to love, miss out on important social events and become withdrawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are our favorite fall prevention tips, as well as resources here in Plano to help you implement them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The right pair of shoes builds confidence\u2014not just as a fashion statement, but as a helpful fall prevention tool that provides comfort and stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does a senior in your life feel unsteady or avoid walking or other exercise because it\u2019s uncomfortable, tiring or painful? If so, their footwear may be part of the problem. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If a senior in your life needs a good pair of running or walking shoes, resist the temptation to order online. It\u2019s crucial that they try their new shoes on to make sure they fit right and feel good, so it\u2019s best to take them shoe shopping in person. They\u2019ll get the best results from an athletic shoe store like Dallas Running Company<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019re going through. They\u2019ll get both important social time and hopefully put some of their fears to rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Wellness Center for Older Adults<\/a> provides opportunities for exactly that. Their services include individual counseling for seniors, as well as for family caregivers. They also offer informal \u201cFront Porch\u201d get-togethers, where seniors can gather and spend time together in a more relaxed setting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An important factor in fall prevention is ensuring your loved one\u2019s home is well-maintained and ensuring they don\u2019t take on precarious maintenance tasks themselves. You or another non-professional may be able to handle a lot of these tasks, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to more complicated repairs or if you\u2019re looking to make upgrades like installing grab bars, it\u2019s likely time to call in a professional handyman<\/a>. They can keep your loved one\u2019s home in great shape, as well as adding accessibility improvements to make aging in place easier and more enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Often, having a knowledgeable, steadfast shoulder to lean on makes all the difference in reducing both fear of falling and falls themselves. That\u2019s where FirstLight Home Care of Plano<\/a> comes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our caregivers are specially trained to help your loved one age in place wherever they call home safely and confidently. Whether that\u2019s 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\u2019re here to make every day their best day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
Get Professional Help with Fall Prevention in Plano<\/h2>\n\n\n\n