Falling can be painful at any age but, for the elderly, a fall can lead to serious damage including broken bones. If you are taking care of an elderly loved one, preventing falls should definitely be a priority. Here are five things you can try to help ensure that your loved one isn’t hurt by a fall:

1. Tai Chi: In addition to providing great mobility training and exercise, Tai Chi also helps improve balance and building strength. Tai Chi can aid cognition and awareness as well which can help your loved one avoid accidents altogether. Since Tai Chi is for individuals of all ages, it can also become a great way to spend some positive time with your elderly loved one while also getting a workout.
2. Annual Vision Exams: It’s no secret that our vision changes when we get older. However, many individuals who have a problem may not notice a gradual change in their visual acuity or their field of vision. Limited vision can cause falls because obstacles remain unnoticed or are incorrectly perceived.

If you notice that your elderly parent or relative is bumping into things or seems to miss steps and curbs, a visual exam should be scheduled as soon as possible to avoid future falls and to rule out sight-threatening conditions.

3. Invest in Sturdy Footwear: Even if you live in an area where ice and sleet are not an issue, it’s a good idea to provide elders with sturdy footwear to avoid slip and falls when outdoors. Likewise, if you have hardwood or laminate flooring, you’ll want sturdy shoes for indoor wear.
4. Check Medications Side Effects: Dizziness and loss of balance can be a side effect of certain medications. If your elderly parent or relative is taking a medication that can cause them to fall, you’ll want to be extra vigilant to ensure that they have someone around to help them.
5. Keep an Eye Out: Watch out for conditions that may cause an elderly loved one to fall. These conditions can occur in the home or outdoors. Once you spot a problem, take preventative measures.

Caring for an elderly loved one can be a challenge if you’re doing it alone. Sutton In-Home Senior Care is here to help you provide the care that your loved one deserves.