Ensuring the safety and comfort of assisted living residents is at the heart of what we do at Care Cardinal. Situated in Alger Heights, fall prevention has become one of our key focuses. Why? Because falls are one of the top causes of injury and hospitalization among seniors. Prevention is always better than cure, so we’re providing some essential fall prevention tips to maintain a safe environment for elders.
Fall prevention is a critical aspect when it comes to elderly care. As per the CDC, one out of four older adults falls each year. These falls can result in severe injuries such as broken bones or head injuries. At Care Cardinal, we understand the significance of maintaining a safe environment for our assisted living residents. This commitment means we equip our facilities with necessary safety measures, including handrails and obstacle-free pathways, to ensure our resident’s safety.
Whether you’re just moving into an assisted living facility yourself, taking care of an older loved one, or you have a loved one in assisted living, these fall prevention tips can help everyone.
The first measure to take when looking to prevent falls is to decrease trip hazards. Simple changes, like securing loose rugs (or removing rugs altogether), clearing cluttered floors, and installing bright lighting, can have a substantial impact on reducing the risk of falls. At Care Cardinal, we ensure our Alger Heights assisted living communities are clutter-free and well-lit for easy navigation for all our residents.
Physical activity can go a long way in preventing falls. Exercises that improve balance and coordination are particularly beneficial for fall prevention. Regular exercise increases strength and flexibility in seniors and reduces the chance of a fall.
The risk of falls increases with poor vision or when there are underlying ailments. Regular health check-ups can help identify issues and simple measures can be taken, like walkers, canes, or corrective lenses, to prevent seniors from falling.
Sleep can affect so many different aspects of our lives and that goes especially for older adults. Tiredness can make falling much more likely. Trying for eight hours or more of sleep each night can ensure their balance and focus are at their best.
Even with all obstacles removed from their living space, falls can still be possible with improper footwear. Wearing flat, sturdy shoes with nonskid soles that fit properly ensures older adults can be as active as they want. High heels, slippers, and sandals may be fashionable, but they can increase the risk of a stumble, slip, or fall.
Care Cardinal is dedicated to making a significant difference in the lives of seniors in and around the Alger Heights neighborhood. We strive to provide everything our residents need to live a happy and healthy life. And we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. We provide personalized services to ensure we are meeting each and every resident’s needs around the clock.
Preventing falls is an essential part of elderly living care, and at Care Cardinal, we believe in creating a safe, comfortable, and cozy environment where our residents can feel at home. To learn more about the assisted living services we offer, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Call us at 616-432-3074 or message us using our online contact form.