Long-Term Consequences of Falling
Every year 25 percent of people aged 65 or older experience a fall. And, once a person falls, their risk of falling again doubles. Seniors are at increased risk for fall because of mobility and balance problems, medication side effects, and muscle weakness. Unfortunately, falls are sometimes the cause of much more than a simple bump or bruise. They can have long-term consequences. Below are 4 things that can happen as a result of a fall.
Home Health Care in Anderson OH: Consequences of Falling
#1: Serious Physical Injuries
Falling can lead to debilitating injuries. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 95 percent of hip fractures occur because of falls. They also say that falls are the number one cause of traumatic brain injury. In addition to fractures and brain injuries, falls can lead to painful bruising and cuts.
#2: Reduced Independence
Injuries that occur because of falls can result in seniors needing assistance to perform regular daily activities. They may be unable to clean their house, drive, or even dress. This can leave them dependent on family members, friends, and senior care to get through each day.
#3: Loneliness and Isolation
When seniors fall, they can develop a fear of falling again. This can cause them to avoid doing some activities. It may even make them afraid to leave the house. By limiting themselves, they may be cutting themselves off from friends and social activities, spending most of their time alone at home.
#4: Family Impact
While your first concern about an older adult falling may not be how it affects you or others in your family, the impact can be life-changing. A fall can cause family members to have to take time off work to care for the senior. It may even result in the senior needing to move in with someone to receive the assistance they need.
Senior care can help to prevent falls in your aging relative. One of the things that is often a problem in a senior’s home is clutter that can cause them to trip. Senior care providers can clean up clutter and remove objects from walkways. Senior care providers can also help older adults walk from room to room safely by holding their arm to prevent them from losing their balance.
Even with preventative measures put in place, older adults may still fall. If your family member has suffered an injury because of a fall, senior care can assist them while they recover. Senior care providers can perform tasks around the house they aren’t able to do, including cleaning and cooking. They can also help with personal care, such as dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom.
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Home Health Care in Anderson, OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today (513) 510-4410.
Sources
Michele Vollmer is a visionary leader who is perpetually searching for ways to improve, so to remain at the leading edge of the home care industry.She has served in the healthcare industry since 1989, including pharmaceutical and home health sales, as well as hospice sales and sales management.
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