Falls are the leading cause of injury in seniors, with one in four older adults experiencing a fall each year. The physical and emotional effects can be devastating, but there is hope for recovery after a fall. Call 214.225.6197 to speak with someone from Ventana’s knowledgeable and compassionate staff about rehabilitation services for seniors and how we handle fall prevention in our senior living community.
What to Know About Fall Prevention for Seniors
Falls are not inevitable as people age—some steps can be taken to prevent them from occurring. Exercise is one of the most critical factors in preventing falls. Regular exercise improves balance and strength, which helps reduce the risk of falls in seniors. Additionally, seniors need to have their vision and hearing checked regularly, as these senses can impact balance and coordination. Making sure medications don’t interact with each other is another important factor in fall prevention—if you’re taking multiple medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about potential drug interactions that could increase your risk of falling. Finally, ensuring the home environment is safe by removing tripping hazards like throw rugs or clutter can also go a long way towards preventing falls.
Ways to Help Seniors in Recovery After a Fall
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps to improve strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination while reducing pain and stiffness caused by the injury. Physical therapists work with seniors to develop individualized plans tailored to their needs. They focus on exercises that target specific areas of weakness or impairment and activities designed to prevent future falls.
Occupational Therapy
Seniors can regain their independence and improve their quality of life after a fall through occupational therapy. Occupational therapists assist seniors and help them relearn basic and everyday tasks such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and toileting—which may have become challenging for seniors due to their injury or limitation in mobility caused by the fall.
Speech Therapy
Speech therapists are trained to assess and address any communication or swallowing difficulties that may arise from the injury and provide cognitive exercises to help improve memory, attention span, and problem-solving skills. They also work with seniors on speech-language activities such as reading aloud, repeating back sentences or words, and writing short phrases of information.
Nutrition
Adequate and well-balanced nutrition helps to promote recovery, improve strength, and reduce the risk of further falls. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help seniors get the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for healing after an injury. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day, as dehydration can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness, increasing the risk of falling. Additionally, good nutrition can help boost energy levels which is beneficial during recovery from a fall.
Social Support
Having the support and encouragement of family, friends, and caregivers can help seniors stay motivated in their recovery journey. Socializing with others who have gone through similar experiences can also provide comfort and understanding during difficult times. Additionally, being surrounded by people who care about them helps to boost morale and encourages seniors to keep striving towards recovery goals.
Go Through Recovery After a Fall in Texas with Ventana
Recovering from a severe accident like a fall can be physically and emotionally challenging. At Ventana in Texas, we offer comprehensive senior care services tailored specifically toward helping our members recover after an accident such as a fall so they can continue living on their own terms—safely and comfortably. Call Ventana today at 214.225.6197 to learn more about fall prevention, how to help seniors in recovery after a fall, and our rehabilitation services.