Your dad fell, which isn’t uncommon. Older adults tend to fall more often due to the side effects of prescription medications, loss of muscle strength, joint pain due to arthritis, and worsening eyesight. When an older adult falls, arm, hip, pelvis, and wrist fractures are the most common injuries.
Use this checklist to find the proper personal care at home services for your dad. You can still help out as much as possible, but you don’t have to stop working or use up vacation time to help him out while he heals.
What Are His Injuries?
The level of care depends on your dad’s injuries. Hip fractures are one of the most severe injuries in the elderly. Studies show that a hip fracture can increase the risk of death within a year. A fractured femur often declines mobility within the same year the leg bone is broken.
The best way to keep this from happening is by making sure your dad has the care and support he needs as he heals. He needs to listen to his doctor, take calcium supplements if recommended, and eat foods that help with bone and muscle strength. He needs to keep up with his physical therapy sessions and exercise as much as is recommended, even if uncomfortable.
Caregivers can help him keep up with his physical therapy exercises and appointments. They’ll encourage him to get out of bed and walk around.
How Often Is He Supposed to Exercise?
After a bone fracture, your dad may need crutches, a cane, or a walker. This will change as he builds up muscle. Make sure he is doing what his doctor recommends. If his goal is to go for a daily walk once the cast is off, he needs to get up and walk around.
Someone needs to keep him motivated with daily exercise. A caregiver is a good choice for daily exercise. His caregiver can join him on walks and encourage him to walk farther every day.
Ask a Home Care Specialist About a Home Evaluation
Personal care at home provides your dad with the help he needs for as long as he requires caregivers. Call a specialist to make the arrangements. During that call, ask about home evaluations.
Almost 60 percent of all falls in the elderly occur in one of two areas: the bathroom or the bedroom. Reduce your dad’s risk of additional falls by learning more about the best ways to heighten safety in these areas. A specialist in personal care at home can help you schedule a home evaluation and arrange caregivers to help your dad while he heals.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235613/
https://reference.medscape.com/slideshow/falls-in-the-elderly-6012395#8
If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home Howey-In-The-Hills, FL, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Clermont today. 1-888-423-4046.