According to studies, nearly 1 in 4 seniors fall at least once every year. And that number can be even higher for seniors that have Alzheimer’s. There are a few reasons why seniors who have Alzheimer’s are more prone to falling at home. Some of the most common reasons are:
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Balance changes caused by changes in the perception of light and spatial relations
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Trouble walking because of lack of physical exercise
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Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
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Changes in gait
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Poor judgment
That’s why seniors with Alzheimer’s, and their caregivers, need to take extra precautions to prevent falls. Some of the things that help seniors with Alzheimer’s avoid falls are:
Alzheimer’s Care
Alzheimer’s care for seniors is something that all seniors with Alzheimer’s who live independently should have. Alzheimer’s care is given by caregivers who have experience working with seniors that have Alzheimer’s. They also have education to help them understand what happens to a senior’s brain when they have this disease. They learn effective ways to communicate with seniors and keep them safe. When caregivers need a break, Alzheimer’s care can keep their senior parents safe.
One Floor Living
Seniors who have Alzheimer’s but want to live on their own should really live on one floor. Stairs pose a risk for any senior, but they can be potentially deadly for seniors with Alzheimer’s. That’s because sometimes as the disease progresses seniors with Alzheimer’s forget how to step up and down. They may not be able to safely negotiate stairs. That can lead to falls that can involve serious injuries. For safety’s sake, it’s better for seniors to have single floor homes. If moving isn’t an option, family members should try to block off the stairs.
Handrails
Handrails in hallways and around the house can help seniors with Alzheimer’s avoid falling. Because of changes in their brain that can change the way they perceive things like distance and spatial relations it can be difficult for seniors to walk down long narrow hallways. It’s particularly difficult if the light is poor or if there are a lot of shadows. Handrails give seniors something to grab onto. The rails can help support them and guide them safely down the hallway. Good lighting is also important to help prevent falls.
Painting Walls Contrasting Colors
As a senior’s Alzheimer’s progresses, they may have trouble figuring out where one wall starts and another ends. This can cause seniors to fall when they walk into walls or don’t see corners. One thing family members can do to prevent this from happening is to paint the walls contrasting colors. It may not look very pretty but having walls that are painted contrasting colors can make it much easier for seniors to see the walls. If you don’t want to paint the walls, try hanging large colored sheets of posterboard or painted paper on the walls to provide contrast that can be easily removed.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Care in China Grove, NC please contact the caring staff at Mayfield Home Care Services today. Call (800) 817-1361
Mayfield Home Care Services provides exceptional home care for seniors and families in Charlotte, China Grove, Spencer, Landis, Belmont, Gastonia, Concord, Kannapolis, Indian Trail, Monroe, Rowan County, Gaston County, Cabarrus County, Union County NC.
Family has always been very important to me, my family and coworkers. The number one reason I decided to pursue a career in healthcare isthe love that I have for my family. I watched individuals over the years struggle with so many health issues before passing. I have watched older adults experience signs of dementia, Alzheimer’s and stroke. I have witnessed how difficult it can be to complete simple tasks that we sometimes take for granted. Growing up, I always felt like they were invincible.
As a family member, I know how hard it can be to watch the people you love and admire struggle. It makes you feel helpless and hesitant to help make decisions regarding their care, for fear that you may make the wrong decision along the way.
This is why I am so passionate about our company. I feel like there is a disconnect in the industry. I remain focused on creating a culture within the company that every client will be treated with the same care and compassion that we would want for our own family members and loved ones.
I feel like it is time to raise the standard of what has become the “norm” in the home care industry. Thank you for taking this journey with us. I know things will not always be perfect and that there will be bumps in the road. However, I do believe that if we work together we can overcome any obstacles along the way. I look forward to working with you soon!
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