Up to 30 percent of seniors fall each year. A loss of balance remains one of the main contributing factors that lead to falls. Here are a few ways to treat balance issues in older adults.
1. Increase Physical Strength
Seniors who live sedentary lifestyles lose muscle tone and strength, and their reaction time also slows. Older adults need to increase their activity by getting regular exercise or finding other ways to become more physically active. Going for walks each day enhances cardiovascular and physical strength along with balance. Seniors with limited range of motion or mobility might want to consider non-weight-bearing activities.
Older adults who need help exercising should consider professional in-home care. Home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
2. Remove Safety Hazards
Conditions inside and outside the home can raise the risk of falls. Outside, a senior might trip over uneven pavement or lose his or her balance walking across an uneven lawn. Snow and ice that isn’t removed during the winter months may contribute to falling.
Indoors, loose area rugs may slide, causing an older adult to lose balance. The edges of carpets or uneven flooring may cause a senior to trip and fall. Seniors with visual deficits might not be able to see potential fall hazards in the home.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading Huntsville in-home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
3. Add Contrast
Many seniors with dementia have perception issues. The brain is no longer able to process depths and distances. Thus, steps of the same color don’t look like they’re going up or down. Similar situations may occur when walking outside and encountering a curb. As the brain cannot perceive upgrades or downgrades, older adults step wrong, lose their balance, and fall. Ensure steps and flooring have contrasting colors and furnishings contrast with surrounding décor to prevent falls.
4. Address Inner Ear Anomalies
Some seniors experience ailments that affect the mechanisms found in the inner ear. The semicircular canals and fluid levels work together to create a sort of compass or gyroscope that helps the body maintain its balance. A cold or upper respiratory infection may cause inflammation and an increase of fluid and pressure in the middle ear. An environmental change in one or both ears interferes with the middle ear’s ability to balance the body. Thus, a senior may become dizzy and fall.
5. Evaluate Medications
Antihistamines and anti-anxiety medications may cause dizziness and a subsequent loss of balance. If a senior’s hypertension medication dosage is too high, he or she might experience orthostatic hypotension when rising from a lying position to a sitting or standing position. Know the side effects of medications and consult with a physician if needed.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Huntsville, AL, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Call us today at (256) 716-9940 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.