Falls are prevalent among the elderly and can be dangerous. According to the CDC:
- One out of three seniors falls each year.
- Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries.
- Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
- Most fractures among older adults are caused by falls.
- More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls. Hip fractures increase exponentially with age. Tragically, one in five seniors with hip fractures dies within a year of their injury.
To help combat the risk of falls in the home, there are several products on the market to help prevent falls. Some products to consider for your loved ones include:
- Door Alarms: If you have a loved one who tends to wander, particularly at night, door alarms can help alert you or a caregiver that your loved one is moving about and may be at risk of falling.
- Monitoring Systems: Monitoring systems are becoming popular as a means of tracking an elderly individual's movements throughout the home. Sensors can be placed throughout the home to monitor movements and some even come with call functions for the senior to alert a caregiver in the event of a fall.
- Fall Management Socks and Slippers: These special items are available with rubber grips on the bottom to help prevent slips and are perfect for patients who are high-risk for falls. There are even slip resistant socks that can be worn in the shower!
- Bedrails: Many falls occur during the night as older adults move in their sleep or get up during the night. Bedrails can keep loved ones from falling out of bed and give them something to grip when standing to get out of bed.
This is just a sampling of some of the fall-prevention products available. For more information on products that can help keep your loved ones safe at home or for any of your in-home care questions, contact Independence-4-Seniors of Chicago at (603) 323-4665. Our professional home care team can provide a comprehensive assessment of your loved one’s home and suggest modifications to ensure that he or she can live safely and happily at home. Contact us to learn more about our home care services.