For adults over 65, the risk of falling doubles, with most falls occurring at home. Physical activity helps reduce the risk of fall-related injuries and trips to the emergency room. The caregivers at Visiting Angels offer individualized elder care services to help you when you need it. Serving residents in Medina, OH, their specially trained caregivers help you with maintaining a safe home life.

Exercises are crucial to improving balance and strength, so consider the following exercise tips to reduce falls:

• Leg Raises: Stand next to a sturdy piece of furniture like a table or counter top. Hold on gently with your fingers and raise your leg for 10 seconds. Lift each leg five times. For an extra challenge, close your eyes with each leg lift.
• Dance: Dancing is not only fun, romantic, and social, but it also improves fine motor balance and control. Each time you two-step, you are also increasing your heart rate. Dancing is a great way to boost your cardio workout too!
• Tai Chi: Using your arms and legs through a series of connected, fluid movements improves your balance. Practicing Tai Chi also reduces stress through deep breathing and meditation.
• Yoga: Roll out your mat and start stretching. Yoga is a great way to increase flexibility. As we get older, our muscles tend to tighten. Warm up your muscles each day with a few of your favorite yoga poses.

Along with physical activity, it’s important to clear up your walkway space from tripping hazards. Remove cords, shoes, papers, plants, and boxes; add grab bars in your bathroom; and install handrails to both sides of your staircase. 

When you need extra help, Visiting Angels offers individualized in-home care for seniors, including house cleaning, running errands, dementia care, and medication monitoring. Learn more about Visiting Angels of Medina online, or call (330) 723-0300 today to schedule a consultation.