Selecting the Right Type of Stairlift

The stairs are quite dangerous to seniors and the elderly, with the most serious senior falling accidents usually occurring on the staircase. Typically, a stair lift provides the most economical way to ensure that the staircase can safely be used by the senior, while still retaining most of their independence.

Choosing the right stair lift can seem a little overwhelming, but by spending some time learning about stair lifts and how they work, it is actually a very simple choice.

Increasing Staircase Safety A Step at A Time

Countless studies have found that the stairs are the area of the home that is most dangerous to seniors and the elderly. There are many reasons for this and it is often a combination of the condition of the staircase, coupled with the diminishing abilities of the senior. In a number of instances, diseases like arthritis can also make using the stairs much more difficult.

Not only are the stairs a very common source of injuries among the elderly, but seniors have a much harder time recovering from injuries, as well as also having a much higher risk of injury.

Helping to Reduce the Chance of a Senior Fall

Falls can be quite serious for those of any age, but the elderly is at most risk for an injury or health complications as the result of a fall. So, preventing senior falls becomes a very important consideration for any caregiver.

When preventing senior falls, it is important to identify and repair risk factors that could lead to a fall, while also evaluating the medical condition of the senior. However, often the risk factors are not black and white, so it is important to look at the home through the eyes of the senior.

Study Finds Seniors at Increased Risk for Complications During Hospitalization

In a recent study, published in the MedsBurg Nursing Journal, it was found that those over 65 are at a much higher risk of developing complications during hospitalizations that younger adults between the age of 16 and 44. This includes not only risks like falls, but also other medical issues, such as the development of ulcers and adverse reactions to anesthesia.

This study discusses these risks and also how they can be mediated and reduced. It is important to note that in addition to risks during hospitalization, the risk of complications post-hospitalization are also dramatically increased.

Preventing Senior Falls, the First Line of Defense

When trying to reduce the risk of a senior fall, all of the most expensive equipment in the world will not do any good, if you have not started at the front line and insured that the shoes of the senior are well made and designed to reduce the risk of a fall. The shoes, as well as a walker or cane, make up the first line of defense in preventing a fall. Without them, the risk of a fall is greatly increased, especially when away from the home.

Understanding and Evaluating the Abilities of a Senior

When you love someone, it is sometimes very easy to overlook their flaws and only see the good things. However, as we grow older, there are a number of risks that can crop up and overlooking them is a disservice to the loved one. This article primarily focuses on creating a safer stair environment, but first taking stock of the condition of the stairs and then the abilities of the senior. In practice, though, these principals can and should be applied to virtually all aspects of senior life.

Increasing Bathroom Safety and Preventing Senior Falls

Preventing senior falls is something that is very important and the bathroom is one area of the home that poses a number of risks to the elderly. It is very important to address these risks and to help decrease the likelihood of a senior fall in the bathroom. There are several factors that should be considered when evaluating the safety of a bathroom and the person who is using it.

Living With Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that is very common among the elderly and especially among post-menopause women. One of the key characteristics of osteoporosis is that it results in loss of bone density, resulting in bones that are very brittle and prone to fracture. Even a small fall can be very serious, as it will often result in a fracture. Calcium and Vitamin D are two essential tools in combating osteoporosis, but it is also important to prevent falls from occurring.

Preventing Senior Falls and Creating a Safe Enviroment

Senior falls can have incredibly serious ramifications, both in regards to the physical health of the senior, but also their mental health. Due to certain disease, falls become more likely among those over 65 and seniors usually have a much more difficult time from recovering from injuries, which is what makes it so important to prevent senior falls.

The Caregivers Role in Preventing Senior Falls

Seniors are at an increased risk for falls and have a much harder time recovering from these types of accidents. As a caregiver, it is your responsibility to help prevent accidents wherever possible.

One of the first steps in preventing accidents involves evaluating the living area of the senior to spot areas that present a risk. It is also important to observe the senior and watch how they interact with objects in their living area, so you can spot further risks.