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How to prevent falls as you age
According to Age UK, around 250,000 people aged over 65 are treated each year in hospital for falls, so it’s no surprise that falls are a huge concern for older people – with 36% of respondents to a recent Age UK survey stating that falls were their number one concern.
Falls can cause a variety of injuries including hip fractures, which can lead to hospitalisation. Many people living in their own home are particularly worried about falls.
There are a number of ways that older people, and their care professionals, can prevent falls:
- Keep active and choose exercises to help with balance and motor control. Exercises like walking, Tai Chi and yoga help to maintain muscle and improve balance, which helps to maintain strong joints, muscles and bones. This can help to prevent wobbles and falls.
- Check your ears and hearing. The ears and hearing are linked to balance, as it is all the same centre in the brain. If you are having trouble with hearing or balance and dizziness – please go and see your GP. (*Your GoodOaks Homecare care professional can help you make and attend the appointment.)
- Check your eyesight regularly. As we age, our eyes do deteriorate. Cataracts can form. Make sure your glasses prescription is up to date and that they fit properly, especially in glasses like bifocals or varifocals, as this can make it harder to perceive potential hazards.
- Make sure you have sturdy footwear that won’t slip off, as this can lead to slips around the home.
- Sudden blood pressure drops can lead to dizziness, so stand up slowly and use support like the back of a chair or armrest to steady yourself.
- Changes in medication can cause side effects. Sometimes these can affect balance or eyesight. If you have any concerns, talk to your GP, there may be alternatives.
- Use a device to help you walk to give you more confidence. A walking stick or frame can be very helpful and give back lost confidence.
How a GoodOaks Homecare care professional can help:
- Our care professionals provide help and support with daily tasks for older people, meaning there is someone available to check up on you or your loved one.
- They can help to keep the house clean and tidy, ensuring there’s no obstacles in the walkways, making sure the floors are dry and help with the mopping so that your loved one doesn’t have to worry.
- Care professionals can also help with garden tasks like keeping pathways free of moss or other debris that could cause an issue. (Loose leaves hiding rocks that could be a trip hazard for instance.)
- They can help with tasks that could cause hazards – like changing light bulbs by climbing a ladder or getting things down from the loft.
The GoodOaks Homecare difference
We believe that good care can change someone’s life, enabling them to live more independently and comfortably for longer. You can read what our clients and their loved ones say about us here. You can also read about all the tasks we can help you with here. From washing, cooking, cleaning and gardening, to helping you or your loved one get out and about to appointments, to see friends or to do activities. GoodOaks care professionals are here to help.
If you would like help or support for you or your loved one, please feel free to get in touch for a free consultation about the care we could provide. You can find our contact details online, or feel free to give our head office team a call on 01202 757787 and we can put you in touch with your local branch.
