According to the CDC, roughly one-third of emergency room visits by seniors are for various injuries. With age, the chance of injury increases, and the best way to stay safe is through awareness and prevention. Following are four of the most common injuries among seniors and suggestions for preventing them.
1. Broken Bones
Falls are one of the most common causes of injuries to seniors. As people age, their muscle mass and bone density decrease. These two issues can cause a senior’s balance to become compromised. Older adults can benefit from daily balance exercise routines designed to help them develop stronger muscles that, in turn, protect the bones most susceptible to injury.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of elder care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
2. Sprained Ankles
An ankle sprain can be extremely painful and is often the result of a misstep that causes the ankle to turn and roll. Sprains can range from light to severe, and a light sprain can become worse and even turn into a fracture if it isn’t treated promptly. Seniors need to wear properly fitting shoes with anti-slip soles, use assistive devices, or seek mobility support from caregivers to prevent sprained ankles.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional at-home care Roseville seniors can trust and rely on.
3. Head Injuries
Head traumas can occur when seniors lose their balance and hit their heads. Many visits to the emergency room are because of head injuries resulting from falls. Your loved one’s living space should be clear of clutter and loose items such as rugs and extension cords.
4. Neck & Back Injuries
Neck and back injuries are common among seniors. Aging adults can easily strain or tear ligaments, resulting in chronic pain. Encourage your loved one to stretch every day to loosen up his or her neck, back, and shoulder muscles. Also, make sure he or she isn’t doing any heavy lifting. Ask family members to help with chores and errands, or consider professional home care to help your loved one avoid preventable injuries.
Some families may not always be available to supervise their loved ones and prevent serious injuries. There are a variety of reasons family caregivers should consider respite care. Roseville, CA, families often have additional responsibilities that make it more challenging to provide the care their senior loved ones need and deserve. A professional respite caregiver can take over your important caregiving duties, allowing you more time to focus on yourself. Call one of the trusted Care Managers at Home Care Assistance today at (916) 226-3737. We’re here to help 24/7.