Home Health Care In Calabasas Can Help You Reduce Your Risk Of Injuries From Falls

Falls steal an individual’s independence. Pegasus home health care professionals in Calabasas can help you live safely at home. We know how to reduce the risk factors that can cause you to fall.

The chances are good that if you fall, you’ll get hurt. Falling is the major cause of injuries in adults. Sometimes the injuries are fatal.

Non-fatal injuries often result in substantial medical expenses. Recovery can be slow, and you may not regain full mobility. Preventing falls is an essential part of living an independent life.

What Are The Risk Factors Of Falls?

Many falls can be prevented if the causes are eliminated. One cause that you’re stuck with is your advancing age. Maturity, however, does not make falling inevitable.

Age-related risk factors include:

• Chronic illnesses
• Impaired vision
• Muscle weakness
• Slowed reflexes

Regular eye exams and proper eyewear can improve vision. Physical therapy can increase your strength.

Our physical therapists in Calabasas will design an exercise program that fits your abilities. We’ll help you improve your balance, to reduce the risk of a fall. We’ll also teach you how to minimize injury if a fall is unavoidable.

There are other risk factors related to age. One of these is medications, especially those which make you dizzy or disoriented. These include prescription and OTC drugs you take for:

• Blood pressure
• Heart problems
• Insomnia
• Pain
• Respiratory issues

Discussing each with your doctor or pharmacist can result in reduced dosages or different meds that don’t impair your balance.

One cause of falls is entirely under your control. That’s excessive consumption of alcohol. You probably already know that alcohol can make you:

• Dizzy or lightheaded
• Engage in risky activities that lead to falls
• Lose your balance
• Sleepy

It also slows your reflexes so that you can’t prevent falling.  

How Can Falls Be Minimized?

If you have lived in your home for years, you may not be aware of safety hazards. Our home health caregivers always assess how things are with you. We also evaluate your home environment.

Because we’re looking at your home with fresh eyes, we see safety issues that you might have overlooked. These can include:

• Lack of non-skid strips on stairs
• Lack of non-slip mats or strips in your shower or bathtub
• Loose throw rugs
• Objects or clutter that could cause you to trip
• Poorly lit areas

Other hazards include small furniture, such as phone stands, where you could bump into them or trip.

Pegasus Home Health Care In Calabasas Will Help You Remain Independent

We know that you might not want to admit to your doctor that you have fallen. We understand your fear of losing your independence. It is important, however, that your doctor knows if you’re having difficulty.

That does not mean that you can’t continue living at home. As well as physical therapists, we have other experts with tips that can help reduce the risk of falls.

Good nutrition is essential. That includes consuming adequate amounts of calcium to keep your bones strong. We can assist with diet planning, food shopping, and meal preparation if needed.

It’s a drag, but you may have to give up stylish shoes. The time has come to switch to shoes with low heels and non-slip soles. Wearing slippers or socks instead of shoes do not provide the support you need to prevent falls.

If you don’t already have grab bars installed, especially in your bathroom, adding them is a priority. We can network with community resources if you need assistance with installation. We will also arrange for other safety equipment you might need.

Secure railings on all stairs and steps is another priority. A railing on each side is ideal. If you’re mobility impaired, try to live on one level and avoid stairs.

You need to have good lighting, especially when you get up during the night. If a nightlight bothers you, keep a flashlight by your bed. You probably should keep a pair of eyeglasses on your nightstand as well.

Try to have your kitchen arranged so that items you need are within easy reach. Stretching to get dishes, utensils, or food can cause you to overbalance and fall. Make sure all spills are cleaned up immediately.

You might be thinking that being inactive decreases your chances of falling. Sorry, but couch potatoes are even more likely to fall. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to stay as active as possible.

You don’t have to run a marathon, although that’s a good thing if you can. Our healthcare specialists work with you to safely exercise. We’ll also help you maintain the social activities you like to avoid isolation.

June is National Safety Month, but keeping your home safe takes an on-going effort. The Pegasus goal is to help you stay independent. Ensuring your safety is a big part of our services.

Home health care in Calabasas is customized to fit you. Whatever level of assistance you need is available when you need it. Whether it’s reducing the chance of a fall or something else, we are always here for you.