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In order to avoid the
inconvenience and pain of falling, take measures to
avoid the danger. Sometimes, avoiding a fall can be as
simple as relying on the assistance of a helper. Sequoia
Senior Solutions provides qualified helpers to help
seniors in navigating their lives without accidents.
Fitness Helps
One of the best way to lessen your risk for falling is
by staying in shape. Getting up and about keeps your
body nimble and your coordination sharp. Instead of
dealing with stiff joints and sore muscles, you will
stay in shape and moving will be easy. It may require
more motivation to get moving as you age, but it is even
more important the older you get to take short walks
each day, use stairs on a daily basis, and maintain a
clutter-free home. Cleaning up on everyday not only gets
you moving, it means there will be plenty of
clutter-free walking space in your home.
Tools of the Trade
If you have been advised by a doctor or physical
therapist to use a walker, it is important to do so.
Some seniors avoid these tools because they are
embarrassed or become it is cumbersome. It may be
difficult for them to accept they need walking
assistance. However, your doctor has recommended these
things for your benefit. If you avoid them, it could
mean serious injury, which may disable you completely.
Instead of needing a walker to get around, you may be
restricted to a wheelchair. If you are uncomfortable
using a walker to get around, remember the risk of
potential injury and try to cope with the change.
Sometimes when a walker
is recommended, or a senior has a tough time getting
around, he will use the furniture in his home to assist
him. If you get up in the middle of the night to use the
bathroom, and through the night joints have stiffened,
you may reach for nightstands, tables, and chairs to
lean on. The problem is these items are not designed to
assist movement and they may tip over. Even if you do
not need the help of a walker throughout the day, you
may need to leave one bedside for midnight drinks of
water and early morning movement.
Use Caution
Another way to avoid falls is to watch out for potential
dangers. If you are outdoors, avoid icy and snowy
sidewalks. Even when merchants make every effort to
clean their parking lots and walkways, there can still
be slick areas. Rely on the assistance of helpers to
shop for you, or find someone who will escort you to the
store and help you get around. The helpers at Sequoia
Senior Solutions assist seniors with errands as just
being accompanied by someone may help you avoid outdoor
falls. When inside, beware slippery showers. If bathing
or showering is a problem, consider installing a
handrail or a shower seat. Shower falls are fairly
common among seniors since they are on a slick surface
and unsupervised. Take special measures to make bath
time safe.
Shoes, Shoes, Shoes
Even the most careful seniors find they are still
occasionally clumsy. Choose comfortable, sensible
footwear when you are trying to move safely. While
heeled shoes may have been worth the sacrifice a few
years ago, it may be better today to opt for sneakers or
shoes designed for safe walking. Speak with your doctor
about which shoes will offer the best support for your
personal walking needs. Remember, sore feet do not
perform as well as healthy, comfortable ones.
As a senior, you may get caught up in activities and
events and forget to pay attention to your movements.
The most important thing to remember is to relax and
take your time. Now that you are retired and enjoying
your golden years, there is no need to rush anywhere.
Walk slowly, concentrate on your body and its movements,
and use handrails and the help of others to get around
safely. By following a few tips, you can move safely and
avoid injury for years to come.
The information in
the article is not intended to substitute for the
medical expertise and advice of your healthcare
provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions
about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare
provider.
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