5 Tips for Helping a Senior Parent with Dementia Prevent Falls

For seniors with dementia, the condition often gives them an urge to wander. It can also have a negative impact on coordination, and this combination increases the risk of falls, which is why a varied approach to intervention is often needed to prevent falls in seniors with dementia. Caregivers need to diminish—if not entirely eliminate—multiple risk factors. Ahead, find out more about preventing fall-related injuries in seniors with dementia.

 

1. Know the Risk Factors

Before you can implement an effective risk-reduction plan, you need to understand the risk factors. Your parent’s risk factors will be specific to his or her health and needs. Some seniors may have poor nighttime vision, which makes them more likely to fall at night. Perhaps your parent has arthritis in the knees, making it difficult to walk up and down stairs. Make a list of all the factors that contribute to your parent’s fall risk, then start finding ways to mitigate them. 

Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but home care experts are available to help seniors manage their health. The type of home care Livingston seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.

 

2. Check for Medication Side Effects

Seniors with dementia may have more than one chronic illness. If so, they probably have a long list of daily medications, and some of these medications could have side effects that increase the likelihood of falls. Research every prescription your loved one takes, looking for side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, worsened balance, and confusion. If you find that any of your parent’s medications have these unwanted side effects, ask your parent’s doctor if there are any safer alternatives. 

 

3. Increase Bone & Muscle Health

Your parent is less likely to fall if he or she has strong bones and muscles. If your parent has lost muscle or bone mass, try to implement a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Vitamin D supplements can strengthen bones, as can calcium-fortified milk. 

If your loved one is sufficiently mobile, consider signing him or her up for a senior-friendly exercise class. Exercise that focuses on strength and balance, such as yoga and Pilates, can reduce the risk of falls. If an exercise class would be too taxing for your parent, consider finding a physical therapist, who can create fitness regimens tailored to your parent’s needs and assess his or her gait for signs of muscle weakness. 

 

4. Safeguard the Home

To lower your parent’s fall risk, you may have to make safety modifications to the home. Make sure the living environment is free of tripping hazards. Electrical cords, loose rugs, and clutter are the primary offenders. 

If your parent has poor vision, make sure each room is well lit. Consider using higher-wattage bulbs in frequently used lighting fixtures. For seniors who tend to use the bathroom at night, make sure the route from the bedroom to the bathroom isn’t too dark. Consider high-wattage nightlights or motion-detector lights.

Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional home care. Livingston families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.

 

5. Safety-Proof the Bathroom

A large percentage of senior falls occur in the bathroom. To protect your loved one from the slippery surfaces, pay extra attention to bathroom safety. Install grab bars throughout the room so your loved one has something to reach for if he or she falls. Slip-free bath mats, raised toilet seats, and transfer benches are also helpful. 

Elderly people with dementia are more likely to fall and injure themselves. If you follow the steps above, you might be able to help your loved one avoid falling and getting hurt. When searching for reliable senior home care agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Assisting Hands Home Care, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today to learn more about our high-quality home care services.