Senior Falls: Concerns Beyond Injuries – I will never forget the day my ninety-year-old grandmother called to say she had fallen. Fortunately, she didn’t require an ambulance, and, even more, thankfully, I was only a few minutes away from her apartment. However, she had hesitated to call. She was less concerned about being injured and more worried about what might happen next.
Falls for older adults present unique challenges.
Certainly, there’s the risk of injury, but for many seniors, there are other consequences of reporting a non-life-threatening fall: independence and post-treatment help are worrisome concerns. In my grandmother’s case, she worried that this fall meant losing her keys to her silver pickup truck.
I had concerns of my own though, what if she under-played her injuries and I wasn’t equipped to help? What if I couldn’t move her on my own? In these circumstances, having trusted resources with medical training that are PPE prepared is invaluable.
But it’s also essential to have conversations with loved ones about the importance of reporting a senior fall to family or medical professionals- even if it didn’t require emergency attention- for these three reasons:
- Combinations of prescription medications may have adverse side-effects that can affect balance, coordination, and cognitive functioning. If older adults see various medical professionals, they may be unaware of potential contraindications and at risk for more dangerous results. Reporting falls can alert medical professionals to take a closer look at all prescriptions for possible interactions.
- It’s not uncommon for delayed responses to occur after a fall. Those who have been notified are more apt to recognize physical, emotional, or behavioral changes as potential results that may necessitate medical intervention.
- Alerting others about a fall doesn’t mandate a loss of independence; instead, it can enhance it. Possibly a simple addition of a handrail or increased lighting can reduce the risk of future falls and allow loved ones to maintain the same level of independence.
Senior Falls: Concerns Beyond Injuries – Though most older adults don’t require 24-hour care, knowing there is help available brings peace of mind to their family and loved ones.
Medically trained compassionate caregivers and certified aides can ensure your independent, home-bound loved ones have taken necessary precautions to minimize the risk of falls. In the case of injury, trained caregivers and aides are also able to provide safe transportation to follow-up appointments.
During these uncertain times, we at Community Care know that you want to be with your loved ones. We also understand that sometimes for their wellness- and yours- distancing yourself is the healthier option. That’s why our certified staff and trained volunteers are prepared to step in during those times when it’s safer for you to step back. We’re here for you and them.
Community Care of the Northeast cares for your loved ones as an extension of our own family.
Our variety of services provides personalized care for their comfort and your peace of mind. Let our 30+ years of compassionate care ease your worry, and help you relax, knowing that while your loved ones aren’t always in your hands, they’re always with family.
Find out how Community Care of the Northeast can help you and your loved ones. Visit us at https://www.communitycarenephila.org/contact-us/ or call 215.335.4416
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communitycarenortheast/