Falls can be a common, yet obviously dangerous occurrence for the elderly. That’s why at Champion Brevard Home Health Care, we emphasize protecting seniors from falling and maintaining a safe environment when we are caring for them.

Medical professionals define a fall as any outside force that causes a person to land on the ground accidentally or unexpectedly. It differs from a fall resulting from a loss of consciousness. Unfortunately, falls are a major cause of brain injuries in the elderly, as well as the top cause of hospital admissions. As a person gets older, it becomes more likely that a fall may result in death.

Our expert staff is trained on risk factors for falls, and we always take preventative measures. Risk factors for falling include:

  • Poor Reflexes: Seniors have slower reflexes, and slower or poor reflexes will increase their chances of a fall.
  • Poor Vision: Failing or poor vision can be due to glaucoma, cataracts, or even poor lighting the home. Not having depth perception can also increase fall risk.
  • Lower Body Muscle Weakness: It is important to maintain muscle strength for fall prevention.
  • Confusion: Waking up disoriented can be common for the elderly, due to various causes. Confusion like this can lead to falls.
  • Painful Feet: Pain from unsafe footwear increases the risk of falling, so proper footwear is the key when trying to minimize foot pain caused from unsafe footwear.
  • Poor Balance: Poor balance in seniors is attributable to many issues, such as medical conditions, side effects from medication, and lack of physical activity. All can increase the risk of a fall.
  • Home Hazards: While a fall can happen anywhere, they more commonly occur in the home. Home hazards can be anything, such as steps, rugs, no stair handrails, and clutter on the floor.
  • Medical Issues: The health and medical condition, as well as side effects from medication, can contribute to a senior’s risk of falls. Poor blood circulation, a significant drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and diabetes are examples of conditions that also can lead to falls.

Our staff is trained to be aware of such risks. Contact us today so we can help protect your senior loved one from falls and other health and safety concerns.