Regain Balance: Fall Prevention Checklist For 65+

Author

SunWays Senior Living Concierge

Posted on

Oct 04, 2021

Book/Edition

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

Share This
For more information on Sunways Senior Living, CLICK HERE.
More than one-third of people over 65 fall each year, and one fall makes you at risk for more falls. How can you create our own fall prevention plan to maximize independence in doing the things you enjoy each day? Great news! Heres 3 steps to get started in your home or senior living facility today.

#1: Makeover your environment
Most falls happen when we trip over something unexpectedly. Take inventory of your living space:

Remove throw rugs
Give everything on the floor a specific home or place within your home
Clean spills up right away to keep the floor dry
Get a shower chair and hand rail to improve safety in bathing
Instead of walking in the dark, turn on the lights
Grass, gravel, sand, curbs, and ramps are more unstable. Focus solely on staying upright safely instead of being distracted by multi-tasking on these surfaces.
Stairs require a lot of strength and endurance. Use a handrail. If you haven't been on stairs for a while, recruit a helper with good balance to walk with you as you get used to them.

#2: Exercise
Everything from leg strength to head movement without getting dizzy can be improved with specific exercise. Regular exercise, even 5 minutes per day, can add up to make a difference at any decade within almost any circumstance. Examples include:

Tai Chi
Chair yoga
Balance-specific exercise classes or home exercises
If you are more active in hobbies like weight lifting, tennis, or water aerobics, continue to participate within your safety level

#3: Doctor Communication: Build your team
Doctors don't know what you are experiencing until you share your concerns with them. Your eyes, ears, brain, muscles, and breathing all contribute to your balance. Here are a few tips to build a great relationship with your doctors so they can help you:

Go to your regularly scheduled eye doctor appointments. Vision is 1/3 of your balance; your eye doctor is the one that helps adjust your vision prescriptions.
Talk to your doctor about any medications you take. If something doesn't feel right (i.e. dizziness, shortness of breath, blue hands, limited endurance) when adjusting medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
See a Physical Therapist to get an individualized balance plan. Balance can be improved. Physical Therapists are doctors that can collaborate with you on what kinds of balance training are right for you.

The next level

View sample fall prevention exercises from the Clinical Excellence Commission. Only try exercises that you know are safe for you. If you are unsure, your physical therapist can help you create an individual program within your safety level.


Want to really dive into the research and recommendations? Read the CDCs Compendium of Effective Fall Interventions.

Other Articles You May Like

Transitioning from Moving from Assisted Living to Nursing Home Care; An Inclusive Handbook

As people grow older and their care requirements evolve there may come a point where transitioning from living to a nursing home is needed. Making this choice can be tough as it involves weighing factors, like health, safety and overall well being. In this piece we will delve into the considerations for determining the time to switch from assisted living to a nursing home the process of transitioning and how Seniors Bluebook can serve as a valuable resource during this transition. Key Factors to Keep in MindHealthcare Needs; One crucial aspect is assessing the individuals healthcare needs. If the person requires medical attention and monitoring beyond what assisted living offers moving to a nursing home might be more suitable.Activities of Daily Living (ADLs); It's important to evaluate whether the individual can independently carry out daily activities like bathing, dressing and using the toilet. If these tasks become too challenging in a living setting opting for a nursing home with enhanced care could be necessary.Safety Considerations; Safety plays a role, in this decision making process.If a person faces a risk of falls or other mishaps due, to cognitive limitations they might require the level of supervision and safety measures provided in a nursing home.Caregiver Fatigue; When family members or assisted living caregivers feel overwhelmed from the responsibilities of looking after someone it could signal the need to consider moving them to a nursing home where their care requirements can be better addressed. The Transition JourneyMoving from living to a nursing home can be intricate and emotional. Here are some steps to think about;Evaluation; It's important to conduct an assessment of the individuals care needs to determine if transitioning to a nursing home is the decision.Communication; Maintaining honest communication with the individual, family members and healthcare providers is crucial throughout this transition phase. Planning; Thoughtful planning plays a role in ensuring a transition. This may involve coordinating with nursing home staff facilitating the transfer of records and organizing the persons belongings.Support; Providing support for both the individual and their family members is vital during this period. Counseling sessions and participation, in support groups can offer assistance.Adaptation;It's crucial to give the person time to get used to their environment and daily routine at the nursing home. How Seniors Bluebook Can Be of Assistance:Seniors Bluebook serves as a source of information, for individuals and families navigating the transition from living to a nursing home. Here's how Seniors Bluebook can offer support;Extensive Directory; Seniors Bluebook presents a directory of nursing homes providing information on services, facilities, costs and contact details. This directory helps individuals and families in finding a nursing home that aligns with their requirements and preferences.Professional Advice; Seniors Bluebook offers expert advice and resources to guide individuals and families through the transition process. Their team of professionals can offer tailored recommendations based on needs and preferences.Educational Materials; Seniors Bluebook provides materials and articles covering topics related to nursing home care, including the transition process, caregiver assistance well as legal and financial planning. These resources assist individuals and families in making informed decisions regarding nursing home care. To sum up the decision to transition from living to a nursing home should consider factors such as healthcare needs, activities of living (ADLs) safety considerations, as well, as caregiver stress levels.Seniors Bluebook is a resource that provides information and support to assist individuals and families in navigating this difficult transition, with assurance.  

Determining Who is Eligible, for Assisted Living; An In Depth Guide

Assisted living facilities offer a helping hand to adults who need support with tasks while still valuing their independence. It's crucial to understand the qualifications for assisted living if you or your family are considering this option. This article delves into the eligibility criteria the evaluation process and how Seniors Bluebook can be a resource in navigating this decision. Qualifying for Assisted Living;Functional Challenges; Those struggling with activities like bathing, dressing, using the restroom moving around and eating may meet the requirements for living. These challenges can stem from aging, disabilities, illnesses or injuries. Healthcare Needs; Older adults in need of help with managing medications monitoring health conditions and coordinating care could also be eligible for living. Healthcare professionals typically assess these needs.Safety Considerations; Individuals facing risks of falls, accidents or safety concerns due, to cognitive limitations may find comfort in the safety measures provided by living facilities.Social Isolation; Elderly individuals who experience loneliness and could find value in the connections provided by living communities may also be eligible, for these services. The Evaluation ProcessThe assessment process in living typically includes looking into the persons mental capabilities healthcare requirements and safety considerations. This evaluation is usually carried out by a healthcare professional like a nurse or social worker. Might involve; Physical Evaluation; Assessing the individuals capacity to carry out tasks, mobility levels and overall physical well being.Cognitive Evaluation; Examining the persons abilities, including memory retention, logical thinking and problem solving skills.Healthcare Needs Evaluation; Identifying the individuals needs like managing medications monitoring health conditions and organizing care.Safety Evaluation; Recognizing any safety issues such as falls or accidents to determine if the person would benefit from the safety measures offered by living communities. How Seniors Bluebook Can Provide Assistance:Seniors Bluebook serves as a resource guide for individuals and families looking into living options. Here are some ways Seniors Bluebook can be helpful;Extensive Directory; Seniors Bluebook presents a directory of living facilities with information, about services offered amenities available, pricing details and contact information.This directory is a tool, for people and families looking to discover a community that suits their requirements and desires. Expert Assistance; Seniors Bluebook provides expert guidance and support to aid individuals and families in selecting a living community. Their team of professionals can offer suggestions based on needs and preferences. Informative Materials; Seniors Bluebook features materials and articles covering aspects of assisted living, such as eligibility standards, evaluation procedures and caregiver assistance. These resources can assist individuals and families in making informed choices regarding living care.  To sum up determining eligibility, for assisted living involves evaluating limitations, healthcare requirements, safety considerations and social interactions. Seniors Bluebook serves as a source of information offering a range of resources to assist individuals and families in navigating the process of selecting an assisted living community that aligns with their needs and preferences.

Finding Ways to Pay for Assisted Living When Money is Tight; Innovative Solutions and Support

With the increasing expenses associated with living many people and families are confronted with the challenge of financing care when financial resources are scarce. Luckily there exist a range of solutions and support systems to assist in meeting the costs of living for individuals, with limited funds. This article delves into avenues for financing assisted living during times of constraint highlighting how Seniors Bluebook can be a valuable guide throughout this process. 1. MedicaidMedicaid is a program funded by both state and federal governments that offers health coverage to individuals with incomes including coverage for long term care services like assisted living. Eligibility criteria vary by state. Generally require individuals to meet income and asset thresholds to qualify for Medicaid coverage of assisted living services. 2. Veterans BenefitsThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides benefits to veterans and their spouses, which can help offset the expenses associated with assisted living. Programs such as the Aid and Attendance benefit aim to offer aid to veterans in need of assistance, with activities.Social Security benefits and SSI payments can provide assistance to individuals, with resources. While they may not cover the cost of living they can help alleviate some of the expenses. Long term care insurance is specifically designed to help with the expenses associated with long term care services, such as those provided in living facilities. Individuals who hold insurance policies may use them to offset the costs of assisted living depending on the policy terms. Certain states offer Medicaid waiver programs that allow individuals who would otherwise need nursing home care to receive services in living communities instead. These programs often have income and asset requirements. Offer an alternative to traditional Medicaid coverage for those who meet the criteria. Sharing a living residence with a roommate can be a cost option for both parties. Many facilities provide roommate matching services to help residents find roommates and reduce expenses. Seniors Bluebook serves as a resource guide for individuals and families exploring options, for assisted living arrangements.Seniors Bluebook provides a list of living facilities along, with expert advice and educational materials to assist individuals and families in navigating the process of financing care for assisted living. In summary financing assisted living can pose challenges when funds are limited. There are options available to assist in covering the expenses. From Medicaid and veterans benefits to long term care insurance and shared living arrangements there are solutions for those looking to finance assisted living without funds. Seniors Bluebook serves as a resource offering a plethora of information and assistance to help individuals and families discover the assisted living solution, for their requirements.