Of all the reasons your loved one might be more likely to fall, sometimes physical causes are among the most frustrating. Your loved one might feel as if her own body is betraying her, which can be incredibly frustrating.
Being Unable to See Well
Vision that is impaired or otherwise not working properly isn’t going to help your loved one to spot obstacles or potential hazards in her path. You can definitely try increasing the lighting in her home, but if your loved one’s eyes aren’t working well, her eye doctor needs to have a look. Regular eye appointments can help you to learn about potential eye problems before they’re significantly impacting your loved one’s life.
Having Illnesses or Health Conditions
So many health problems can also affect your loved one’s ability to avoid a fall. For example, arthritis can make your loved one’s joints too stiff for her to safely avoid obstacles. If she’s got diabetes, her blood sugar can cause dizziness or other issues that leave her unable to avoid a fall. If you suspect that any of your loved one’s health problems are causing her to be more susceptible to a fall, you should contact her doctor right away. He can help you to find potential solutions.
Experiencing Side Effects from Medications
Your loved one’s doctor can also help you to determine if it’s possible that side effects or interactions with her medications could be making a fall more likely. Medications typically solve more problems than they cause, but there are times that they don’t solve every problem. Do regular medication reviews with your loved one’s doctor to rule out possible issues.
Being Weak from Lack of Physical Activity
If your loved one hasn’t been exercising, that can contribute to a fall. Your loved one loses muscle tone as she ages and a lack of exercise or other physical activity can make that problem much worse. Talk to your loved one’s doctor about a simple exercise program that you and your loved one can safely start together.
Work with your loved one’s medical team to reduce these physical risks as much as possible. You might find that simple changes are all it takes to help her avoid falling. If you’re concerned about her being alone, consider hiring elderly care providers to provide companionship and an extra layer of emotional security.
If you are considering hiring elderly care in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161. Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Mt. Gilead, Loudonville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Wooster, and the surrounding areas.
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