Community News
Every year, more than 27,000 people ages 65 and up die from falls. The numbers are astounding, so our team at Raya’s Paradise decided to interview several members of our 24-hour, on-site Wellness staff to learn the best practices they use to help keep your loved ones safe.
Common Fall Risks at Home
What we learned was that most falls are typically attributed to normal changes of aging, like poor eyesight or poor hearing. There are illnesses and physical conditions that can affect your strength and balance as you age. “However, it is the little things in the house, like rolled-up rugs and cords, and lamps and not enough lights, clutter that can really add to a fall,” they explained. To combat hazards, Raya’s Paradise housekeeping and caregiving team facilitate routine room checks to ensure our residents are in a clean and safe home.
Medication Changes and Fall Risk
Moreover, the introduction of new medications often results in changes in balance. Medications used to treat depression, sleep and blood pressure are often the drivers for related falls. In fact, many medications for diabetes and heart conditions can also result in a change of gait and balance leading to falls. Upon moving into one of our communities, our Wellness team takes time to examine your medications. “We know that you are more likely to fall if you are taking four or more medicines and that you are also more likely to fall if you have altered your medications within the past two weeks. Therefore, we often partner with our house-call physician and pharmacy to determine if all medications are really needed and if there are any high-risk drug interactions.”
When Falls Signal More Support Is Needed
Frequent falls or a fear of falling can also signal that a safer care environment may be needed, particularly when medication changes or mobility concerns are making independent living less safe. Families can use an
Orange County assisted living safety checklist to review fall risks, medication concerns, mobility support, emergency planning, and other safety details.
Speak With Our Wellness Team
We encourage you to stop by Raya’s Paradise and speak to a member of our Wellness team to learn more about the risks of falls and ways to stay safe.
Source
Source: Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, an annual report released by the Alzheimer’s Association, reveals the burden of Alzheimer’s and dementia on individuals, caregivers, government and the nation’s health care system.
