Falls are among the most common causes of severe problems for older adults, including broken bones, infections, and even death. However, immediate treatment could lower the odds of severe health consequences and boost your aging loved one’s recovery odds. Below are some of the things a doctor should check immediately after your loved one falls.
1. Balance
If your parent experiences balance and gait problems after a fall, the doctor will notice when conducting a physical examination. Lack of balance could be a warning sign your loved one’s body has experienced more severe injuries, and the physician can conduct more testing to determine the next course of treatment. To check balance and gait, the doctor will watch your loved one walk around the room and check for facial expressions and sounds indicating he or she is in pain. Physical therapy is often a treatment for balance and gait problems caused by a fall.
2. Cognitive Health
Some falls lead to unconsciousness, which can be harmful for aging adults. Even a few moments of brain inactivity can have devastating effects on cognitive health. Therefore, your parent’s physician should look for memory problems or concentration issues present due to the fall. Asking your loved one basic questions he or she should know, such as his or her name, age, address, and phone number, is typically where the physician will start.
People with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia tend to have a higher risk of falling. Without the right assistance, Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors and their families to manage. If you’re looking for professional Alzheimer’s care, Rocklin Home Care Assistance provides high-quality care aging adults and their families can count on. All of our hourly and live-in caregivers are trained to help seniors with Alzheimer’s live happier and healthier lives, and we also provide specialized dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
3. Blood Pressure
The doctor needs to ensure your parent’s blood pressure levels are stable after the fall. Most physicians will check blood pressure when seniors are sitting and again while standing to determine if there’s a significant drop in the readings. Light-headedness could result from head trauma and other more severe problems caused by the fall. These issues need to be diagnosed and treated immediately to prevent devastating consequences.
4. Vitamin D Levels
Falls are common among elderly people, but they should never be considered normal. When your loved one falls, his or her primary care physician will need to determine what caused the accident. Low vitamin D could be the reason. Therefore, the doctor will need to check your loved one’s vitamin D levels to determine if he or she is getting enough of the vitamin to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of falls. The physician may suggest your parent take supplements to ensure he or she consumes enough of the vitamin each day.
An increased risk of falls is one of the many challenges seniors encounter. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional homecare. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
5. Bruising
The fall’s severity will determine if your parent damages his or her tissues and experiences bruising on the legs, arms, and other body parts. Bruises are a sign that blood vessels have burst, which is why the contusions are visible. When these are untreated, blood can continue to enter the area and cause clotting, leading to swelling, long-term pain, and even death.
6. Poor Vision
Seniors who hit their heads when falling need to have their vision checked by their doctors. The objects they bump into could cause neurological problems that prevent specific areas of the brain from functioning. As a result, the organ won’t tell them what to do or see. They could experience blurred vision or worse. Checking for vision problems allows the doctor to determine if your loved one experienced severe neurological damage that needs immediate treatment.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the many ways you can reduce your loved one’s risk of falls. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of home care. Rocklin Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services. Call Home Care Assistance today at (916) 226-3737 to schedule a free in-home consultation.