You think of healthy aging as getting enough exercise, eating the right foods, and engaging in social activities. Fall prevention is another key to healthy aging. It can be one of the most important aspects of aging. Statistically, the National Health Institute reports that about half of all older fall victims fall again within a year. Take time to learn the best ways to prevent your parents from falling. 
 
See a Food Doctor 
 
Take your parents to a podiatrist for a foot exam. Foot pain and discomfort increase the risk of a fall. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause foot pain. If the shoe slides on the foot, the ankle might twist and lead to a fall. 
 
A foot doctor can go over causes of foot pain, make sure the toenails are cared for properly, and address issues. Ask about recommendations for shoe stores that do fittings to make sure shoes are the right size. This can reduce the risk of a fall. 
 
Examine the Home 
 
Inspect your parents’ house and look for loose carpeting, broken stair rails, broken tiles, and uneven flooring. Dim lighting increases the risk of a fall. Each of these issues can be repaired by a professional or by you if you’re handy. If you have to upgrade lighting, LED fixtures save money and are very bright. 
 
In the bathroom, pay close attention to the height of a bathtub wall or the step into the shower. Is it likely to trip your mom or dad? A walk-in tub/shower may be better if there’s money for that upgrade. If not, sturdy grab bars are essential and should be installed and anchored to studs. 
 
Go Over Medications 
 
Go over the medications your parents take. Some have side effects that include dizziness, sleepiness, and lack of energy. All of this increases the risk of falling. 
 
Your parents may need to change the medication to one that doesn’t cause the same side effects. They may want to take them before they’re going to lay down or sit down for a couple of hours. Once the medication is in the bloodstream, the side effects should start to lessen. 
 
Have a home care agency go over these and other services that can help your parents avoid a fall. You cannot guarantee that your parents will never fall, but you can take steps to lower the risk. Home care services are one of the best ways to get started preventing falls. 

If you or an aging loved-one is considering home care in Richardson, TX please contact the caring staff at Sunlife Home Care today at (877) 888-1311. 

Sources: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3468115/