Accidental falls are one of the biggest dangers that elderly people face when they are home alone. In fact, 75% of all falls leading to death in the U.S. occur in the elderly population. While your loved one may not always be able to avoid a slip, trip, or fall down the stairs or on an open floor, there are things you can do to help them prevent this from happening. To ensure that your elderly loved one is safeguarded against harmful falls, learn more about fall prevention from the senior care team at Visiting Angels.

Falls leave older adults vulnerable in the event of an emergency or unforeseen danger. Elderly people who do suffer from an accidental fall can sustain hip fractures, femur fractures, wrist fractures, and more. Many times elders need to be hospitalized immediately after a fall, and even the shortest fall can lead to severe injury. Accidental falls can also be life threatening for seniors as well.

However, one of the most important facts that people overlook when taking care of their elderly loved one is the fact that ground-level falls and falls from climbs affect the quality of life for many elderly people. Such falls can also influence the amount of care they'll need. In many cases, the fear of falling can often be as immobilizing as a fall itself. It can lead to inactivity and diminished confidence.

Here are a few helpful tips from Visiting Angels in Tom's River to help prevent falls:

• Alleviate any fears that your elderly loved one has about falls. Fear can lead to an increase in inactivity, which can lead to more falls. If your loved one has suffered a fall before, try to put a plan in action for them to follow when and if it does occur again. This will eliminate fear, and help them live their everyday life more comfortably. 
• Invest in an assistive device to help with emergencies. In this way, your loved one will always have help in case of an emergency. 
• Research all the information you will need to help someone you love if a fall does occur.
• A in-home caregiver can help to alleviate fear, and watch over your loved one if they prefer to live in their own home with more independence. This can also be an effective way to alert you if an accidental fall does occur.

For more information, download the FREE Fall Prevention brochure from Visiting Angels online or contact the Tom's River location to inquire about the next Free Fall Prevention Seminar. For details on senior care and additional advice, visit the home care service online.