Broken hips often happen with the elderly and it is a very long recovery process, as well as very painful. If you have an elderly parent that is currently in home care, there are things you can do to help prevent them from falling down, five of which are listed below.
Medications
Talk with your parent's doctor and ask them if they can do a bone mineral density test. This test will show how strong their bones are. If the test shows the bones are weak, the doctor can give your parent medication to strengthen their bones to reduce their chances of breaking their hip if they do fall down.
Vision and Hearing
If your parent has not recently had a vision and hearing test, you should make sure they get each of these tests. Either of these things can cause a fall. For example, your parent may not be able to see something that is in their way or hear something that they need to avoid. They may need new eyeglasses or their current prescription may need to be strengthened. If the hearing test shows they have problems, they can be prescribed hearing aids.
Dog
Dogs, as well as other pets, may pose the biggest danger of causing falls at home. Even if your parent sees and hears well, they could still easily trip over their dog, as the dog may quickly run in front of your parent while they are walking. Instead of getting rid of their favorite pet, take the dog to obedience training if they have not already had it. If your parent thinks the dog is anywhere near them, they could tell the dog to sit and stay or they could tell them to lie down.
Exercise
Talk to your parent's doctor about proper exercises they can do. If they are able to do this, it will improve your parent's leg strength. Because their legs are stronger, it also improves their balance. Even though your parent is elderly there are still likely some exercises they can do. These exercises will also make them much healthier in many other ways, and is especially beneficial if your elderly parent is currently overweight.
New Medication
If your parent is prescribed any new medication, read the Rx label to see if dizziness is one of the side effects. If it doesn't say this and you want to be sure, talk with the pharmacist.
Medications like antipsychotics, antidepressants, and sleeping pills can affect your parent's mind and make them feel off kilter, which can lead to a fall.
The home health care aide can give you many suggestions on this. They can also walk through your parent's home and point out any hazards to you that you may not have noticed. For more information, contact companies like Queen City Home Care.
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