Meaningful Modifications to Your Parent’s Kitchen to Reduce Fall Risk

Millions of aging adults fall throughout the United States each year. Those who fall are not just at risk from the fall itself. Those who suffer falls are twice as likely to experience a subsequent fall in the next 6 months. Should they suffer a broken hip as a result of the fall, they are also at twice the risk of dying within the six months after the fall. Even among those who have less serious injuries, falling can diminish function and mobility, decrease the quality of life, and cause lingering negative effects for your senior. As their family caregiver, one of the most important things that you can do for your parents is to help them reduce the risk of falling. Going throughout their home and identifying hazards so that you can make meaningful modifications is an important way for you to protect your parent as they age in place.

Home Care in Euless TX: Reducing Fall Risks in the Kitchen

Some meaningful modifications that you can make it to your parents kitchen to reduce fall risk include:

• Place mats in front of the sink and dishwasher to absorb spells and provide traction.
• Store frequently used items on the counter or on shelves that are at your parents waist level so that they do not need to reach and are not tempted to climb in order to access items.
• Keep large or very heavy items on the floor and transfer the contents into smaller containers to put on the counter or in the cabinet so that they are more easily accessible for your parents. Attempting to pick up or carry very large items can result in your parent losing their balance and falling.
• Make sure that any spills are cleaned up promptly and effectively. Remember that oil is extremely slippery and requires more extensive cleaning than other types of spills to remove residue that could cause a fall.

If your parent has been struggling with a health challenge or limitation that has increased their care needs, your own schedule or ability to care for them has changed, or you simply feel that they would benefit from more diversified care, now may be the ideal time for you to consider home care for them. An in-home senior home care services provider can be a valuable source of support for both you and your parent, supplementing the care that you already give them, and helping them to pursue a lifestyle that is more independent and fulfilling as they age in place. These care services can include safe and reliable transportation, assistance with activities of daily living, mobility support, meal preparation, help with sensitive care tasks such as bathing and toileting, companionship, medication reminders, and more.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering home care in Euless, TX, please contact the caring staff at Custom Caregivers today. Call us at (972) 702-7988.

Sources

http://shellpoint.org/blog/2012/08/13/10-shocking-statistics-about-elderly-falls/

https://www.ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p0922-older-adult-falls.html