Fall Prevention Tips for Caregivers and Seniors

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Coping with the death of a family member

Allow Yourself to Grieve

One of the most important things you can do when faced with the death of a loved one is to allow yourself to grieve. You may experience shock, anger, sadness, and can even feel lost or helpless. This is normal, but it is necessary to express these feelings because keeping them in will only lessen your ability to cope.

Talk to your family and friends about what you are feeling. It is likely that they are feeling the same emotions as you and talking about it will help you cope and find closure. Talking about your loved one after their death is also a great way to honor their memory and help you appreciate the moments you had with them. There are other ways to honor them as well, including donating to their favorite charities, planting a tree in their memory, or spending time with family to share stories and reminisce with photos of fun times. These kinds of activities, while they may seem difficult, will help you find closure and acceptance.

When you experience the death of a family member, you will be filled with many emotions and may also be required to do things like make funeral arrangements or work with their estate planners to carry out their final will. During this time, it is imperative that you take care of yourself and not neglect your needs – eat well, get plenty of rest, and try to continue doing the things that bring you joy. Whether this is exercise or spending time with friends, this will help you cope and keep a level head while dealing with other responsibilities.

MEDIA INQUIRIES

Keeping their independence is a priority for many seniors as they move through their golden years. They want to enjoy this time of life in the comfort and autonomy of their own homes. 

One common occurrence that gets in the way of that wish is the risk of falls. 

Falls are a leading cause of injury for older people, and a fall can severely limit their ability to look after themselves and maintain their independence.

Why falls are more common among older people

There are several reasons why seniors are at an increased risk of falls. 

Age-related changes to balance

First is the change in balance that comes with age. As we get older, our bodies function a little differently than they used to. Our gait changes, our lower body tends to lose some strength and stability, and our balance becomes a little harder to keep. 

Changes to vision  

Eyesight is another aspect of our health that changes with age. Cataracts, near-sightedness, and other vision-related issues interfere with the ability to see clearly and make tripping hazards even more of a concern. 

Home-related hazards

Slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and raised thresholds are all common features in many homes, and they pose a tripping risk to the home’s inhabitants.

How to reduce the risk of falls

Prevention is the best approach to trips and falls, which makes it an important aspect of in-home care for seniors. 

There are several things you can do in and around the home to help reduce the risk that your loved one will suffer a fall:

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