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The challenges of old age make certain seniors more susceptible to slip and falls. These incidents can result in serious injuries, and the damage isn’t always apparent. Knowing how to handle falls is an important part of senior care. Taking the right short- and long-term steps will ensure your loved one recovers.

Managing Senior Falls

How to React When They Fall

When you loved one falls, first check for injuries. Ask them where it hurts, look for bruises and bleeding, and worse, broken bones. Moving them could worsen these injuries if the areas aren’t stabilized. If they’ve suffered a significant injury, contact 911 for assistance. Cover them with a blanket, place a pillow or handbag under their head, and ask if there any other ways for you to make them comfortable.

senior careIf your loved one isn’t seriously hurt, roll them onto their side. Stop if they express any pain. They should then be able to move onto their hands and knees. Place a chair next to their head, or stand there and offer a supporting hand. Have them draw one knee forward until they’re in a lunge position. Place a chair behind them so as they move from the lunge position, they can safely sit back in it. Encourage them to rest until they’re confident they can stand and walk.

What to Have the Doctor Look At

Even non-serious falls warrant a senior care exam. Ask the doctor to first check their joints for swelling or injuries. You can then explore potential causes. If your loved one became dizzy, have the senior care staff check their blood pressure, test their balance and gait, and look into potential side effects of their medication.

The doctor will also look into temporary and long-term health issues. Dehydration can cause dizziness, as can heart conditions and mini-strokes. The doctor will need to test for potentially new health issues so they can adjust treatment.

 

 

If your loved one requires extra care at home, enlist a senior care professional through Visiting Angels Toms River. This New Jersey home care agency is proud to connect seniors with health care professionals. Whether your loved one needs companionship or more extensive Alzheimer’s care, this agency will ensure all their needs at met. Call (732) 240-1050 to speak with a representative and visit their website to learn more about their services. Connect on Facebook for news and updates.

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