Your parent becomes more vulnerable to serious injuries from falls as he or she gets older, and the bedroom is a danger zone that must be addressed. Falls from the bed can happen when asleep or awake, and hitting the ground from this height can lead to traumatic brain injuries as well as broken bones. Try these four tips to prevent your parent from experiencing a fall-related injury during sleeping times.
1. Address Health Concerns
Certain health conditions make it more likely for seniors to experience falls from bed. For instance, a senior with poor vision may not be able to see the floor when attempting to get out of bed, and an older adult who experiences vertigo may get disoriented while getting in or out of bed. When your loved one has a new symptom or health diagnosis, ask yourself how it may affect safety in the bedroom. If the issue isn’t correctable, make accommodations, such as setting a sturdy source of support near the bed or having someone help your loved one first thing in the morning.
Health conditions and mobility issues can affect a senior’s wellbeing in many ways. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Roseville live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life.
2. Keep the Bedroom Layout Consistent
Your loved one’s bedroom should be set up so he or she remembers where everything is located. Even something as simple as adding or taking away a rug by the bed could cause your loved one to misstep and take a serious fall. Seniors may also need a bedside table to keep needed items, such as their glasses or medication, within arm’s reach, as this prevents them from getting in and out of bed so often. However, these items should be close enough that seniors don’t have to stretch too far to reach them, since this could cause them to lose their balance and fall.
A familiar bedroom layout can also help with nighttime disorientation, which is common in aging adults. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality elder care. Roseville families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
3. Add a Protective Barrier
Seniors may begin to fall out of bed while sleeping for a variety of reasons. For instance, a senior with Parkinson’s disease may experience body tremors that move him or her closer to the edge of the bed. Those who fall into a deep sleep from medication side effects may also lose awareness of when they’re getting too close to the edge of the bed. If your loved one seems to be constantly on the side of the bed, consider adding a bedrail, or place the bed alongside a wall to create a physical barrier that prevents falls.
4. Provide Assistance with Getting in and Out of the Bed
While seniors are at risk for falling out of bed during deep sleep, many also experience falls when they wake up. Make sure your loved one has a caregiver nearby who can provide assistance with getting in and out of bed. This is especially important if your loved one has recently had surgery or started taking medications that affect the sense of balance. Seniors who tend to wake up at night are especially vulnerable to falling, since they may not have had time to fully regain their awareness before they begin moving.
If you’re concerned about your loved one’s risk of falling out of bed, these tips can help, and hiring a professional caregiver can give you additional peace of mind. When researching agencies that provide home care services, Roseville, CA, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Home Care Assistance. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737.