More than 36 million seniors fall each year. When your senior loved one falls, poor balance or aging may not be to blame. An underlying medical condition could have caused the fall to occur. Make sure the doctor thoroughly examines your loved one after a fall to prevent them from happening in the future.
Blood Pressure & Pulse
If your loved one has high blood pressure, make sure it’s checked after a fall, both while your loved one is sitting and when he or she is standing. People with high blood pressure may have stable blood pressure when they’re sitting, but once they stand, the rush of blood can cause their blood pressure to drop to a very low level. Exceptionally low blood pressure levels could cause your loved one to become lightheaded or dizzy and lead to future falls.
An increased risk of falls is one of the many challenges seniors face as they grow older. 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 senior home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Blood Sugar Levels
If your loved one has diabetes or is pre-diabetic, it’s important to have his or her blood sugar levels and A1C checked. Excessively low blood sugar could cause your loved one to become dizzy or faint. Low blood sugar levels may occur because your loved one is taking too much insulin or oral medication. If your loved one’s blood sugar log or A1C shows his or her blood sugar has been going low too often, his or her medication or diet may need to be adjusted.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Clearwater seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
Vitamin D Levels
Many seniors don’t get outdoors often enough. This may contribute to low levels of vitamin D that can cause bones to be fragile. Fragile bones and osteoporosis can be contributing factors that could cause your loved one to fall.
If your loved one has low levels of vitamin D, the doctor may recommend taking a supplement. Most seniors need between 800 and 1,000 IU of vitamin D each day. Your loved one should also try to get a little bit of sun each day. Just 10 minutes in the sun can strengthen the bones as well as the immune system.
Medication Review
Some medications can make seniors lightheaded and cause them to fall. It’s important for the doctor to review your loved one’s medications after a fall to see if they could be to blame. Some common medications that cause dizziness include:
- Sedatives
- Sleeping medications
- Tranquilizers
- Narcotics
- Opiates
- Some anxiety medications
- Anticholinergics
- Diabetes medications
- Blood pressure medications
Heart or Neurological Conditions
Your loved one may have an underlying heart or neurological condition that hasn’t been diagnosed yet. If your loved one has heart disease, his or her heart may not be pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body as it should, which could cause dizziness. Neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, could cause your loved one to have balance or gait problems. Getting a proper diagnosis and treatment for any heart or neurological problems may prevent future falls.
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. Clearwater 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. To create a customized care plan for your loved one, call us at (727) 330-7862 today.