Dizziness is one of the leading causes of falls amongst seniors, but because it can have so many different causes, it is also one of the most difficult causes to address. Because dizziness can create a fall even when there are no obstacles or visible health concerns in the spotlight, prevention can be tough. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to prevent injuries from a fall caused by dizziness. Here are a few tips to help you keep your older loved ones safer.
Dizziness can be caused by many different sources, and some of them are very easy to fix. For example, dehydration is common amongst seniors, especially those that have trouble getting around as easily as they once did. If someone doesn’t take in enough liquids, dehydration can occur, and dizziness usually occurs in the early stages of this. When someone has trouble moving about the house like they once did, they are less likely to take care of this need as often as they once did. The end result can be dizziness and an injury, unless steps are taken to help prevent this from happening.
Sometimes, dizziness is the result of a side effect of one or more medication. If this is the case, there can be a temptation to stop taking the prescribed meds. However, even though dizziness is frustrating and can be dangerous, it is usually in the best interest of the patient to keep taking the medication until a conversation can be had with the doctor regarding alternative accommodations.
Dizziness can also be caused by imbalances in the inner ear. A common cause of inner ear dizziness in elderly individuals occurs when crystals in the inner ear, usually attached to hairs within the ear, become dislodged. This is one way that our bodies help to maintain balance, and changes can result in dizziness.
It’s important to note that dizziness can sometimes be the sign of a more serious condition. An infection, low blood sugar, or a neurological condition can all lead to dizziness besides the above mentioned things. If you have questions about dizziness, it’s really important to get the help of a doctor here. It’s always better to be cautious, especially when it comes to the health of a loved one.
Of course, having a trained professional by your mom or dad’s side when you are not with them during the day can also be a good way to help prevent falls. There are a lot of little things that can be done around the house to prevent falls, many of which you probably already know. Things like freeing walkways from trip hazards, making sure rugs are securely fastened to the ground, installing handrails and bars in key locations, and other things are easy ways that can help prevent a fall. You may have done these things already, but trained in-home care professionals can help to ensure that these are regulated on a daily basis. If an issue arises, they will be able to deal with it before it leads to a fall.
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