Fear of Falling Increases Fall Risk—What to Do About it
There are many things that can increase the chances of your aging relative falling. You’re probably aware that gait and balance problems can lead to falling. You might even know that certain medications can cause dizziness, which can also cause a fall. But, did you know that simply being afraid of falling makes it more likely that an older adult will?
Homecare Malibu CA – Fear of Falling Increases Fall Risk—What to Do About it
Surveys indicate that people who are over the age of 60 and fear falling are between 40 percent and 73 percent more likely to fall. Unfortunately, that can make them limit their activities. They may become less active and more inclined to stay at home where they feel safe. That’s too bad because it can severely impact their quality of life and lead to health problems that can make it even more likely they’ll fall.
If your older family member fears falling, there are ways you can help them to get over their fear and start living life again. Below are some suggestions to reduce or eliminate the fear of falling.
Boost Confidence
Helping older adults to be more confident in their abilities can reduce their fears. When it comes to falling, they need to be more confident in their ability to walk safely with proper gait and good balance. One way to increase their confidence is by encouraging them to exercise to build muscle strength and improve balance. Some organizations offer classes that help seniors to get stronger and gain better balance. These classes usually offer an assessment before the classes begin and again afterward to help older adults understand their personal risks and what they can do about them. Other types of exercise that can help are tai chi and yoga.
Review Medications
Some medications have dizziness as a side effect. Knowing if any of their medicines may be causing problems and changing them for those that don’t may help your aging relative to feel safer. Bring a complete list of all prescription and non-prescription medicines the senior uses to their next doctor appointment. Be sure to include any supplements. Ask the doctor if any of them can contribute to the risk of falling. Even if none of them do, hearing the doctor say there’s no reason to worry about their medicines may increase the older adult’s confidence.
Use Homecare
Having a homecare provider present to assist your older family member can make them feel safer and encourage them to be more active. A homecare provider can walk with the older adult so they can exercise and build lower body strength without being afraid.
Sources: https://www.lifeline.philips.com/resources/blog/2014/04/how-to-help-a-senior-overcome-a-fear-of-falling.html
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/conquering-fear-of-falling#1
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Homecare Services in Malibu CA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hearts Home Care today. Proudly Serving the Los Angeles & Ventura County. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! (805) 371-0033, (818) 593-0094, (310) 230-5601.
Our team is comprised of highly experienced and dedicated professionals who are focused on providing exceptional in-home care services to our clients and their families.We are proud to have served thousands of individuals and families since our inception.
Assisting Hearts Home Care was established in 2008 by two professionals a husband and wife team who started the company after personally experiencing the challenges of caring for their aging parents and grandparents. They experienced first-hand at how difficult it was to find care that worked around your schedule and not the schedule of the agency with caring and dedicated caregivers. Since January 2008 Assisting Hearts Home Care has been owned and operated by Robert Ruetschle.Prior to opening Assisting Hearts Home Care, Robert was in upper management of a national pharmaceutical manufacturing company and he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. Robert is passionate about supporting our older adult community and helping individuals age with dignity and grace in their own homes.
It is our mission to give peace of mind to our clients and their families by providing exceptional care.Our caregivers are also supported by an office staff of Senior Advisors and advanced CNA’s.Our team looks forward to getting to know each client and family personally.
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