Did you know that falling is one of the leading causes of broken hips and other skeletal injuries for seniors? This is especially true for those who suffer from illnesses like dementia or Alzheimer’s. As these diseases are known to impair perception, vision, and balance, increasing the likelihood of someone suffering from them to fall more often.
Fractured Hip, Broken Bones, and More
In fact, according to the US National Library of Medicine, those who suffer from dementia are three times more likely to obtain a hip fracture than those who do not have the disease. Though a broken hip can be treated with surgery and moderate lifestyle changes, it significantly increases the risk of death in adults over the age of 50. It can also advance the preexisting condition of dementia as it can lead to further disorientation and disability.
Hip fractures aren’t the only ailment that a dementia or Alzheimer’s patient can suffer from. As most seniors are dealing with very fragile bones and bone loss (osteoporosis), any fall (major or minor) could result in bones bruising or breaking. Broken legs, head injuries, and other broken bones are common.
Take Preventative Measures
If you or a loved one has been falling more than usual, it is imperative to take preventative measures to prevent them from breaking bones. One of the first resources families use to help an aging loved one is home health care or in home care support.
What is Home Health Care?
Home healthcare is a service provided to those that are ill, disabled, or aging. Essentially, the patient receives assistance from a licensed medical professional or trained home health aide who has taken and passed aged care courses.
The health aid visits the home on a daily basis and provides assistance with daily functions that may otherwise be complicated for a senior to handle. From getting dressed and moving around the house to prepping meals and straightening up, the idea to is to provide all the care a senior would need in the comfort of their own home. Most service providers offer customized services to accommodate the needs of the patient and their loved ones.
Benefits of Home Health Care
There are plenty of advantages to considering home health care for yourself or someone you care for who is suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. If they’ve been dealing with a lot of injuries from falling, for instance, a home health aid will be there to ensure there are no obstacles in the way and that the patient can get around without getting hurt. Below are a few more benefits to hiring a home health aide:
· Customized care for seniors so that they can stay in the comfort of their own home
· Promotes healing and protection from falls, infections, and further health complications
· Gives family caregivers a break from the day to day routine
· Reduces the need for hospitalizations or nursing homes
· Provides seniors with a sense of independence and freedom
· A more affordable solution to inpatient care options
If you’ve decided that a home health aide might benefit you or someone you care for, be sure that you only hire from reputable sources. Your primary care physician or insurance company should be able to provide you with reliable locations to start searching.
Dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be difficult for a senior and their families. As the illness continues to advance, it can cause serious injuries and even increase their chances of death. If you or someone you know is suffering from these illnesses and has encountered several slip and fall injuries, taking preventative measures is imperative to their survival.
*Our content is not intended to provide medical advice or diagnosis of individual problems or circumstances, nor should it be implied that we are a substitute for professional medical advice. Users / readers are always advised to consult their Healthcare Professional prior to starting any new remedy, therapy or treatment. Your Wellness Group accepts no liability in the event you, a user of n-gage and a reader of this article, suffers a loss as a result of reliance upon or inappropriate application of the information.