Compassionate Care You Can Trust, Delivered Right at Home
Everything we do at Home Instead, S2O Care Services is driven by our universal mission: To enhance the lives of aging adults and their families.
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Need help? Call Us Now : 020 3874 9035
Welcome to S2O Care Services
Conatct Us
- for all other care, enquiries : Unit C1 (3) Tavern Quay SE16 7EX
- info@s2ocareservices.co.uk
- 020 3874 9035
- Working Hrs : 9am to 5pm
Understanding the risks of falls
Understanding the risks of falls
Recognising the factors that increase the likelihood of trips and falls is crucial in taking measures to prevent them.
Certain individuals are more susceptible to falls, especially when their living environments contain hazards.
Groups of people who are more at risk of falls
Certain health conditions can heighten the risk of falls, including:
- Chronic illnesses like heart disease, arthritis, low blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or other cognitive issues, which may lead to coordination problems, dizzy spells, and general weakness.
- Imbalance caused by infections or a fear of falling.
- Medications with side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or impaired functioning, particularly when multiple medications are taken daily.
- A decrease in muscle strength and joint flexibility, impacting mobility factors like standing up, walking, or getting out of a chair.
- Slower reaction times due to the deterioration of nerves that transmit information to and from the brain, a common issue with ageing. This can affect the ability to quickly avoid obstacles, such as a slippery floor.
- Poor vision, which can prevent timely awareness of potential hazards
Typical Home Hazards That Raise the Risk of Falls:
- Excessive clutter and furniture obstructing walking paths.
- Tripping risks like loose or worn rugs, uneven flooring, dangling cords, or long-hemmed clothing.
- Inadequate lighting.
- Wet or slick floor surfaces.
- Items stored in hard-to-reach places.
- Ill-fitting footwear.
- Absence of necessary equipment or aids, or using inappropriate ones.
The Effects of Falls
Falls can have severe and far-reaching consequences.
As we age, the likelihood of sustaining more serious injuries from falls increases, as does the fear of falling again.
Elderly individuals are at a higher risk of breaking bones, especially wrists or hips, when they fall. Hip fractures can lead to significant disability, and often require substantial help and support during recovery at home. The risk of experiencing a hip fracture, and its detrimental impacts, escalate almost ten times with each passing decade after the age of 50. Women are particularly at risk due to the higher prevalence of osteoporosis.
For those aged 75 and above, the repercussions are even more significant. In this age group, falls are the leading cause of death.
Following a fall, individuals often experience a loss of confidence in their balance, leading to a fear of falling that can cause anxiety or tension, thereby heightening the risk of subsequent falls. During such times, home help can offer the necessary care and support needed for these individuals.
Advice For People With Elderly Relatives
While staying at home is the safest option, it can be challenging to figure out how to support them without physical visits. To help with this, we have compiled our top 10 tips for caring for elderly relatives during the lockdown:
Regular Phone Calls
Reach out to your loved one with a phone call to check on them. Share stories about TV shows, gardening activities, walks, or amusing moments with the children.
Be Alert to Scams
Unfortunately, scams targeting the elderly are on the rise. Remind them to never share bank or financial details over the phone.
Promote Physical Activity
Encourage them to keep moving, even while staying indoors. Suggest simple exercises like chair workouts or lifting household items.
Encourage Gardening
If they have outdoor space, suggest gardening, which benefits both mental and physical health. Even tending to plants on a windowsill can be a rewarding activity.
Create a Check-in Rota
Coordinate with other family members to take turns checking on your relatives. A collective effort supports everyone’s well-being and keeps the family connected.
Facilitate Family Video Calls
Encourage them to join group calls via various apps and digital tools. If they lack a smartphone or tablet, consider including them in group chats through regular phone calls.
Assist with Online Shopping
For those intimidated by online shopping, offer to help organize their grocery orders and keep them informed about delivery schedules. If online shopping isn’t an option, inform them of available shopping assistance so they can remain safely at home.
Encourage Pet Interaction
Pets can significantly lift spirits and provide a sense of purpose.
The Delight of Companionship: Advantages of Seniors Owning Pets at Home
As we grow older, our requirements and focal points change, with the pursuit of a joyful and content life gaining increased significance. The presence of a pet can significantly enhance the well-being and life quality of older adults, thanks to the special and unconditional relationship pets offer. This bond brings a host of physical, psychological, and emotional advantages to elderly pet owners. In this discussion, we’ll delve into the benefits of seniors keeping pets at home and how it positively affects their overall well-being and joy.