Seniors are more prone to injuries due to decreasing health. As a family caregiver, you should develop a plan to help your aging loved one stay safe and healthy. Below you’ll find some of the most common injuries among seniors and how to prevent each issue.
1. Hip Dislocation
Bones tend to weaken with age, which puts older adults at higher risk for hip injuries. Taking multiple medications and experiencing diminished vision can also increase the odds of falling and breaking the upper quarter of the femur bone. Living a healthy lifestyle can lower the risk of a hip fracture. Monitor your loved one’s medications, remove tripping hazards from the home, and make sure he or she gets plenty of calcium and vitamin D.
2. Burns
Burn injuries are common among elderly people, and they can have severe consequences. Seniors often experience burns when cooking. Decreasing health is one reason older adults burn parts of their bodies. For instance, seniors with memory impairment could forget to turn off the stove, touch a hot pan, and burn themselves. Although seniors need to maintain their independence, you should check on your loved one when he or she is taking on daily tasks like cooking to prevent burns and other accidents.
Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Portland respite care experts from Align Home Care are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.
3. Ankle Sprains
When walking around the home or exercising, aging adults have a higher risk of rolling and twisting their feet, causing the ankle joints to move from their normal positions. Many seniors shy away from physical activities because they’re afraid of spraining their ankles or sustaining other injuries. However, you can ease your loved one’s anxiety by suggesting low-impact exercises that don’t put too much stress on the body, such as water aerobics.
A home caregiver can help your loved one exercise in safety and comfort. In-home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
4. Groin Injuries
It’s common for seniors to overstretch or rip their hip adductor muscles, causing groin injuries. These injuries are painful and make it more difficult to walk. To prevent these accidents, seniors should base the intensity of their workouts on their individual physical abilities and increase the routine gradually. However, if your loved one experiences pain and stiffness when working out, he or she should stop the activity immediately and consult with his or her primary care physician.
5. Head Traumas
Falls and motor vehicle accidents are common among older adults, raising their chances of sustaining head injuries. Seniors who experience head traumas have a higher risk of developing conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Your loved one can prevent this type of injury by wearing a seat belt when driving, using walking devices, and limiting alcohol consumption.
6. Lower Back Injuries
Thickened ligaments, disc degeneration, and arthritic facet joints are problems many seniors face, raising their odds of lower back injuries. To prevent back problems, your loved one should eat nutritious meals and maintain a healthy weight. Exercising can also lead to good posture, which can reduce the risk of lower back injuries.
With a home caregiver close by, your loved one has a greater chance of preventing injuries. If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality home care, Portland Align Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Align Home Care at (207) 835-3490 today.