Balance issues can be one of the scariest things that a senior can face. On the surface, a loss of balance might not seem like as major of an issue as something like a heart attack or cancer, Alzheimer’s disease or diabetes. But the injuries that can result from a catastrophic fall can be a life changing event that could potentially lead to the need for a lifetime of care.
It’s important to know that dizziness and balance issues can be the sign of a bigger issue. For example, many instances of vertigo in seniors is related to a condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). It is connected to little bits of calcium that are deposited in the ear that are dislodged and move into the canals present within the auditory system. Movement of the head can trigger the dizziness symptoms associated with the condition. It’s important to work with a doctor to help address issues early on so that they can be treated before they get worse or lead to a dangerous situation. With BPPV, the condition can typically be treated pretty easily by a medical professional.
Even if this isn’t the cause of vertigo, a doctor can help to determine a better course of action so that the safety of your older loved one can be improved. While vertigo itself isn’t necessarily an issue, a fall can be a huge issue.
According to aging.com, there were 29 million falls among older Americans in 2019. On top of this, an older individual was treated for a fall in the emergency room every 11 seconds. This should really highlight the urgency of the issue for us. Stats say that on average, one in four seniors will experience a fall each year. The need for preventive measures and better support systems cannot be understated.
There are things that you can do around the house to help mitigate the risk of a fall for an older loved one. Installing handles and safety bars throughout the bathroom, making sure that walkways don’t have things that can be tripped over in them, and modified chairs can all make getting up and around the house a lot easier and a lot safer. There are also technology items that can improve and monitor safety for seniors. Avoiding a fall before it ever happens by eliminating or addressing risk factors is a far better option than treating a fall injury.
There’s also evidence out there that the combination of Vitamin D and Calcium taken together can help reduce balance issues. You should always speak with a medical professional before taking any new supplement regimen.
One of your family’s supports in this respect might include professional level senior care. If that’s the case, or you’re not sure if that’s the case, we’d love to talk a little bit more with you. In-home care might be the perfect solution to ensure that your loved one is safe while they are at home during the day. This extra support can help make getting around a lot safer.
Get in touch if you’re interested in learning more about in-home care.
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