What Are Some Dangers Outside Your Parent’s Home that Increase Fall Risk?

Getting outside can be a valuable part of your aging parent enjoying an active, engaged, and fulfilling lifestyle. As a family caregiver, however, you might worry that when they step outside of their home, they might face dangers and risks, such as fall risk. Each year millions of older adults end up in the emergency room due to falls, and for many of those seniors, the lingering effects of the injuries that they sustain can be devastating, diminishing their quality of life and even increasing the possibility that they will die sooner. This does not mean that you should stop your aging loved one from leaving the home. Instead, you should find ways to help them to stay safer and keep them on their feet while also encouraging them to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and a change in their routine.

Some of the dangers that your aging parent might face outside of their home that increase their fall risk include:

• Steps. Many homes have front porches or stoops that feature at least a few steps. These can be difficult for your elderly parent to navigate safely, particularly if there is rain, ice, snow, or other challenges. Make sure that your aging parent’s steps are properly outfitted with a banister or handrail that is secure and strong enough to support them so that they are able to use these steps easily.

• Clutter on walkways. Spring storms can leave walkways cluttered with leaves, branches, and grass. These can be very slippery, putting your parent at increased risk of falling. Make sure that your parent’s walkways stay clear so that they can remain balanced and do not lose their footing.

• Discarded lawn items. It is easy to notice that your parent’s flower garden needs a quick drink or that their lawn furniture needs to be rinsed, complete that task, and just drop the hose where you are. This may seem convenient for you, but it can be dangerous for your elderly loved one. Items such as hoses, lawn décor, gardening tools, and even thick weeds can cause your parent to trip. Remove these items and keep their lawn neat so that they can enjoy the outdoors safely.

If you are concerned about your aging parent’s safety when you are not able to be with them or believe that they would benefit from more diversified care, starting home care for them might be the ideal solution. A home care provider can be with your aging loved one on a schedule that is specifically customized to them, meaning that they will get everything that they need according to their challenges and limitations, as well as the amount of care that you are able to give to them. For those who are dealing with issues that might increase their fall risk, this can be particularly beneficial. An in-home care provider can offer your parent physical support and assistance that can help them to maintain an active, engaged, and largely independent lifestyle while also helping to prevent serious falls that can lead to devastating injuries and complications. This can give you confidence that your parent can maintain a higher quality of life as they age in place.

http://betterhealthwhileaging.net/why-aging-adults-fall/
https://www.ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0401/p2159.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in East Brunswick, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care of New Brunswick today. Call (732) 607-8870.