Did you know that 25% of older adults report falling each year? For seniors living in scenic Salisbury, North Carolina, being sidelined due to fall-related injuries can be devastating. That’s why it’s so critical to take the right steps to minimize risks and ensure better health outcomes.
Keep reading to learn about the best fall prevention interventions in Salisbury!
Know What Triggers Falls
Knowledge is one of the best forms of protection against falls. Seniors must be mindful of potential risks in their lives, including
- Side effects from medications
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Loss of muscle mass
- Declining vision or hearing
- Physical barriers in their homes
As seniors age, they lose muscle mass and stability. Seniors with limited mobility are especially at risk of falls if they try to overextend themselves physically. And if seniors are on medications that cause side effects like weakness or brain fog, they may struggle to stay upright easily.
Further, if seniors are unable to access nutritious meals and ample water, they may feel dizzy or tired. These symptoms can create conditions where falls are more likely.
Make Safety Upgrades at Home
Assisted living safety starts with having a secure home free of hazards that can cause falls. Salisbury seniors should audit their living spaces to ensure that they are free of problems.They can enlist a friend or family member to help them make home adjustments, such as:
- Enhancing lighting in each room
- Adding grab bars to bathrooms and hallways
- Removing area rugs and other tripping hazards
Grab bars give seniors a source of instant support in rooms prone to becoming slippery, like bathrooms. Grab bars can be useful in hallways, too, where other objects may not be available to help seniors regain their balance.
Adequate lighting is an essential component of a safe space for seniors, as well. Dimly lit spaces make it harder to see obstructions in a pathway.
And some seniors already are dealing with challenges like macular degeneration or other forms of vision loss. For those seniors, poor lighting will present an even more harmful safety scenario.
Other important considerations include the layout of a senior’s home. It’s best to avoid keeping a space crowded with bulky furniture or lose objects. Instead, seniors should maintain wide pathways for walking and regularly declutter their homes.
Build Physical Strength
When it comes to senior safety tips, a big one is staying fit. Seniors in Salisbury can reduce the risk of falls by committing to an exercise routine.Exercise can:
- Build muscle strength
- Improve flexibility
- Help with balance
With increased strength and balance, seniors can be more coordinated in their movements. Better coordination and flexibility enable seniors to catch themselves more easily before a stumble turns into a fall.
Seniors should focus on building a stronger core and lower leg muscles for better stability. Flexibility exercises, like stretching or yoga, can help seniors gain control over movements. They can also expand their range of motion.
These exercises can make activities like walking easier. And seniors will be better prepared to handle simple tasks, like getting out of bed or walking down steps. In short, strength-building exercises can reduce the likelihood of falls.
Balance exercises for seniors may include marching in place or moving from a sitting to a standing position. Adding light weights to an exercise routine can fortify muscles and boost a senior’s confidence, too. When a senior feels stronger, they won’t fear the prospect of falling, and they can remain independent.
Focus on Routine Health Screenings
Key health screenings can help with avoiding falls in seniors, as well. Seniors should be proactive about prioritizing their health as they age. Each year, if not more frequently, seniors in Salisbury should plan on getting:
- Vision and hearing screenings
- Help with medication oversight
- Nutritional guidance
Seniors’ nutritional needs may shift with age. They may need more protein-rich options to maintain muscle mass, even if their calorie needs decrease. Without adequate protein or essential vitamins, seniors could compromise their sense of balance.
Further, seniors should stay on top of routine vision and hearing screenings. Declining vision could make it harder to see potential tripping hazards. Similarly, reduced hearing capabilities could make it harder to hear someone warning a senior about an obstacle.
And some seniors might struggle to see indications of side effects on their medication bottles if their vision is impaired. A family member or friend should review their medications with them regularly. Taking a medication dose could impair a senior’s balance, putting them at higher risk for a fall.
Stay Alert and Aware
Fall prevention activities can help seniors be more mindful of potentially dangerous scenarios. Seniors can take advantage of local resources in Salisbury. These may include senior-focused workshops with advice to create safer living spaces.
And, ultimately, seniors may discover that they could use some help with fall prevention strategies. Seniors should find a trusted friend or family member to assist with:
- Home cleaning tasks
- Scheduling healthcare appointments
- Visits to fall prevention activities
The aging process may make it more difficult to tackle weekly cleaning sessions. Enlisting a professional cleaning service or even the help of a staff member within a senior living community can help. These individuals can also assist with scheduling healthcare appointments and entering them into a calendar.
Seniors should seek out ongoing educational opportunities in their Salisbury living community to stay aware of fall prevention strategies. Statewide awareness weeks and workshops can be helpful, if not life-saving, activities.
Follow These Fall Prevention Interventions
The right fall prevention interventions can keep seniors safe and engaged with the activities they love most. Seniors should stay current with health management and make critical safety upgrades at home. They also should exercise and eat well to support their physical health and lower the risk of falls.
TerraBella Salisbury offers seniors the finest community amenities with proximity to the Piedmont area’s gorgeous hills and charming towns. Our Sensations dining room boasts chef-prepared meals, while our Dimensions wellness program offers enjoyable ways to stay active. Contact us today to learn more!
