Can Your Parent's Doctor Help Reduce Their Fall Risk?

Fall risk is very serious for aging adults. Each year throughout the United States millions of adults over the age of 64 suffer falls. Many are so serious they result in the need for emergency care and even hospitalization. Seniors who suffer these injuries, particularly serious ones such as broken hips, the fall can result in decreased mobility, lingering pain, and diminished quality of life, and even increased risk of death. As a family caregiver, it is extremely important for you to take the steps you can to help them reduce fall risk, and protect them from the potentially catastrophic injuries they can suffer as a result. While there are many ways you can do this, sitting down and having a conversation with their doctor can be one of the most beneficial.

Some of the things to talk to your seniors doctor about when trying to reduce their fall risk include:

Medications. If your senior is like many elderly adults, they are taking at least one prescription medication. Many medications can increase fall risk by causing dizziness, lightheadedness, vertigo, weakness, and other such symptoms. Talk to the doctor about the medications your parent is taking and find out if they might be contributing to fall risk. If your senior is dealing with more frequent falls, the doctor might be able to make changes to reduce the impact.
Nutrition. What your parent eats can make a major difference in their fall risk due to its impact on their physical condition and functioning. The doctor can give recommendations for how to help your parent choose healthy foods, eat a balanced diet, and give their body what it needs to stay healthy and strong. This includes how much they should drink to stay hydrated and reduce dizziness, lightheadedness, and other consequences of dehydration.
Exercise. Keeping their body strong and responsive is vitally important to reducing the risk your parent will fall, but also that they will suffer serious consequences if they do fall. A doctor can give recommendations for the types of exercise that are safe and healthy for your parent so you can integrate them into your parent's care routine

As a family caregiver, you want to make sure your senior is getting everything they can out of all of their care. This includes the instructions given to them by their doctor. If your senior is like most aging adults, they are living with at least one medical condition and have been prescribed medications to manage it. The most important way to ensure your senior gets the most out of this medication is to ensure they follow the instructions precisely. Medication reminders from a home care provider can be a valuable means of helping them accomplish this. An elderly home care services provider can remind your parent when it is time to take their medications, and about the instructions regarding their medications, such as if they need to take it with food or what to do if they have issues with side effects. This helps your parent stay compliant, getting eht most benefit from them so they can enjoy better health as they age.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Draper, UT, contact the caring staff at Interim Healthcare. Call today 801-401-3515.

Author: Michael and Marlena Hawkins, Owners, Interim HealthCare, Salt Lake City, UT

Interim HealthCare of Salt Lake City has been in business since February 2014, providing in-home personal care and support services that help our elderly and/or disabled neighbors live enriched, safe and independent lives. Our goal is to provide customized care and support services that make it possible for our clients to remain in the comfort of their own homes rather than relocate to an assisted living facility. Interim HealthCare is family owned by Michael and Marlana Hawkins, and is a Veteran Owned Small Business.