The risk of fall-related injuries increases with age. However, seniors with Parkinson’s often experience tremors, muscle stiffness, and a loss of balance that all lead to a higher risk of falling. To ensure the safety of a senior loved one with Parkinson’s, here are a few safety tips that can reduce the risk of falling while still supporting independence.
Understand Medication Side Effects
Seniors with Parkinson’s should always discuss any new medications with their physicians to determine if there may be side effects that could place them at risk for falls. Fatigue, dizziness, and gastrointestinal disturbances caused by medications could all play a role in the likelihood of falling. Understanding these side effects can enable seniors to implement strategies designed to protect them from falling. It’s also important to have trusted caregivers or family members closely monitor medications on a daily basis, as those with Parkinson’s could forget the proper times to take prescriptions.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the many ways you can reduce your loved one’s risk of falls. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of in-home care. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years.
Increase Balance with Exercise
For many seniors, daily exercise is an effective strategy that promotes better overall health in addition to reducing fall risk. Seniors with Parkinson’s may choose to focus on gentle exercises designed to build strength and increase balance, such as yoga or tai chi. Many of these exercises can be modified according to a senior’s level of physical ability and support. A caregiver, trainer, or even a chair can provide additional support for balance.
Health issues that arise during the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease can make caring for aging loved ones increasingly challenging. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Danville, live-in care is available around the clock if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Set Up a Safe Home Environment
In a senior’s home, carefully planning the layout can reduce the risk of falls. Slippery areas such as bathrooms and kitchens should have nonskid floors installed. Grab rails can be placed in bathrooms near showers and toilets so your loved one has support during movement. Although your loved one’s walking path should always remain clear, it’s also possible to arrange furniture so it provides additional support along the path, creating an adaptive home environment that promotes independence.
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate, professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Home Care Danville provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (925) 332-1276.
