Is Your Aging Parent at Risk of Falling?

When a parent begins to show their age, do you know where to go to learn more about how to keep them well and safe? There are many resources out there, but where should you begin? Well, your local governmental department on aging is a great place to start. Here are links to two Southeastern Michigan agencies: Lenawee County Area Agency on Aging located in Brooklyn, Michigan and Oakland County Area Agency on Aging located in Southfield, Michigan. You can certainly make a visit to the office, or you may find what you need via their websites. These agencies can also direct you to the list of senior living services available within your local community.

When an older adult is aging in place at home, there can be potential hazards which should be addressed. If living alone, are they properly managing their medication regime? If not, this can lead to side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness which can easily lead to a fall. Therefore, insuring your parent is taking the correct medication at the correct time in the correct dosage is very important. If this becomes a problem, you may need to make arrangements to call or stop by at the appropriate times. There are also resources such as choosing to live at a senior living community where their staff can keep track of their medications, and insure the resident is taking their medications as prescribed by the physician.

Another potential concern should be their living environment. Is it free from clutter, and area rugs that could be a tripping hazard? Or, does the setting require a walk up or down stairs? Is the hand railing secure? Do they have the required strength to safely maneuver the steps as frequently as required? Having to climb a flight of steps to get to the bathroom can lead to incontinence issues if they begin to delay the visit to the bathroom due to the effort required to get there. Most senior living communities have a barrier free setting so that seniors can ambulate easily without the need to climb stairs. As well, the flooring surfaces are carefully selected in a senior living community. Carpets will often have very low piles, or there may be solid surfaces making it easy to walk with a shuffled gait, as well as with an assistive device such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair.

Finally, is your parent getting some exercise. Getting the blood flowing has tremendous benefits and often yields an increase in muscle strength which is very beneficial when ambulating. Failure to exercise can lead to muscle weakness which also puts a person at a much higher risk for falling.  Fall Prevention Older Adults

If you are worried about your parent, you can make arrangements for senior services to assist them at home. Or, you could consider having them reside in a senior living community where the setting is barrier free, and especially designed for the unique needs of the aging older adult. Cambrian Senior Living has two campuses in Southeastern Michigan. They are located in Tecumseh and South Lyon. The assisted living settings offer many attractive common areas to enjoy. The apartments and private and include a spacious bathroom with a barrier free shower. Three chef inspired meals are served daily, and housekeeping and laundry services are provided on a weekly basis. The life enrichment programming includes a focus on health and wellness activities, as well as arts & crafts, games, and all sorts of other types of entertainment, music and otherwise. Cambrian Senior Living has a bus which allows for scheduled trips to the grocery store, as well as a variety of fun outings such as bowling, fishing, shopping, and even dining out. For more information about Cambrian Senior Living and how they may be able to assist your parent with their needs, please call Laura at 517-423-5300, or visit www.CambrianSeniorLiving.com.