24-Hour Home Care: First Things Family Caregivers Should Do After a Parent Falls

By Jessica Ott | February 16, 2022 |

The World Health Organization reports that upwards of 35% of adults between 65 and 70 falls each year. After 70, that rate increases to 42%. Half of all hospitalizations related to a fall are in those 65 or older. Head injuries, hip fractures, and upper arm/shoulder injuries are the three leading causes of hospitalization after a fall. Your dad fell, and no one expected it. Now that it has, you need to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Having 24-hour home care services can help prevent a fall. What steps should you take now?

Upgrade His Home

24-Hour Home Care McSherrystown PA – 24-Hour Home Care: First Things Family Caregivers Should Do After a Parent Falls

It’s time to go through his home and focus on upgrades that make it safer. Start by looking at where and why he fell? If he gets dizzy when getting out of bed, it’s harder to prevent blood sugar drops after a full night’s sleep.

If he has diabetes and experiences blood sugar drops first thing in the morning, it’s hard to avoid them. But, you can put in a rail at the side of the bed that gives him something to hold onto as he gets up. You can also make sure he has someone to help him stand up and get to the bathroom safely.

Bathtub or shower floors should have non-slip mats or decals to help keep his feet from slipping on wet surfaces. Grab bars inside and outside the bathing area provide him with a rail to hold onto when transferring. You also need to install grab bars near the toilet.

Remove Clutter

Make sure his hallways and stairs are free of clutter. It may be convenient to line up his shoes and slippers on the stairs near the front door, but he could trip on them. Purchase a shoe storage rack and put it outside of the high-traffic area.

Throw rugs look nice, but they can slip around. Edges of a carpet runner can curl up and trip your dad while he walks through a room. Remove them or put down non-slip backing to ensure they lay flat and don’t move around.

Check His Prescriptions

Did your dad take his daily pills and get dizzy? Dizziness is one of the most common side effects of many medications. He needs to learn to take his pills and sit down until the side effects pass. It might be safest to take them at night when he gets into bed.

Hire 24-Hour Home Care Providers

24-hour home care services provides peace of mind when it comes to fall prevention. Instead of leaving your dad alone all week, he has caregivers stopping by to help out. Arrange to have 24-hour home care professionals with him when he’s more likely to fall, such as getting out of bed in the morning or during the night, walking downstairs, or taking his daily walk to the mailbox.

Sources: https://www.who.int/ageing/publications/Falls_prevention7March.pdf

If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-Hour Home Care Services in McSherrystown PA, please talk to us. Our friendly staff can answer all of your questions. In-home Senior Care in Adams and York Counties, PA. Call Today: (717) 698-8258.

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Jessica Ott

Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC

Jessica Ott is the Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC.

A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC is dedicated to providing our clients with a better quality of life through our support services while maintaining their independence in the comfort of their own home.

As a Home Care Agency licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we can provide families with peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in good hands.

We will work with you to prepare a care plan that incorporates your needs, your wishes, and your preferred schedule. Each client is matched with a caregiver who can best meet their individual needs, whether they reside in a house, apartment, condominium, assisted living, or nursing community.