As our loved ones age, their risk of falling increases significantly, and the consequences of a fall can be severe—both physically and emotionally. Falls can lead to injury, loss of independence, and even long-term hospitalization. This can feel like a lot of pressure, but the good news is there are practical steps you can take to minimize this risk and keep your aging loved ones safe. In this guide, we’ll outline strategies to help prevent falls at home and provide tips on how to ensure they have the support they need when you’re not there, including utilizing your care benefits with us at Helpr.
1. Make the Home Safer
One of the easiest ways to prevent falls is by making sure your loved one’s home is as safe as possible. Start by eliminating tripping hazards, such as loose rugs, electrical cords, or clutter in walkways. Install grab bars in key areas like bathrooms, stairways, and hallways. Adequate lighting is crucial as well, especially at night—make sure all rooms and staircases are well-lit.
Regular home safety assessments can help you spot any new risks that may have been overlooked, ensuring your loved one’s environment stays fall-proof over time.
2. Encourage Physical Activity and Balance Exercises
Regular exercise can go a long way in preventing falls by improving strength, balance, and coordination. Encourage your loved one to participate in exercises designed to enhance balance, such as tai chi, yoga, or even simple walking routines. Many community centers offer senior fitness classes that target these areas specifically.
Talk to their healthcare provider about a tailored exercise plan to ensure they are staying active in ways that are safe and effective.
3. Schedule Regular Vision and Hearing Checkups
Vision and hearing are key senses that play a critical role in preventing falls. Poor vision or hearing loss can lead to missteps and imbalance, increasing the risk of falling. Regular checkups can help detect changes in these senses early, ensuring your loved one’s corrective lenses or hearing aids are up to date.
If they’ve experienced sudden changes in sight or hearing, encourage them to see their doctor as soon as possible, as this may signal underlying health issues.
4. Use Helpr’s Upload Your Own Provider Service
When you aren’t available to be with your aging loved one, it’s essential that someone else is—whether for companionship, fall prevention, or assistance with daily activities. If hiring an in-home care provider feels too costly, you can turn to family or friends to help.
Our Upload Your Own Provider service allows you to recruit a trusted family member or friend to be their caregiver, with your company subsidizing the cost of care. This ensures your loved one has the support they need, while you only have to cover a small copay. It’s an affordable way to make sure they’re never alone when it matters most.
Prevent Falls, Promote Independence
Preventing falls is about more than just safety—it’s about protecting your aging loved one’s independence and quality of life. By making their home safer, encouraging physical activity, and ensuring they have support when you’re not there, you can significantly reduce the risk of falls. And with tools like us at Helpr, you can access affordable, reliable care through people they already know and trust.
