5 Things a Doctor Should Check if Your Aging Loved One Falls
It is fairly common knowledge that the elderly are more prone to falling than the rest of us. It is something that caregivers and senior care aides always have to be prepared for, and something that could happen at any time. It is not usually something that happens for no reason, though. Someone (even an elderly someone) does not just fall down for no reason. Something will have caused the fall, such as tripping over a shoe on the floor, slipping in water, or a medical condition that causes loss of balance.
It is important to know, not just that your aging loved one fell, but why they fell. That way, you can prevent future falls, or avert a serious medical problem. If your loved one has fallen and they have not tripped over anything, take them to the doctor, and have him or her check these five things:
- Vision. Poor or low vision could cause anyone of any age to fall. If you can’t clearly see what is in front of you, or where you are putting your feet, you are putting yourself at risk for a tumble. Have your doctor check your loved one’s eyesight to see if it is compromised. If it is, getting some brighter lights in your house may help your loved one to see more clearly where they are headed at home.
- Balance and Gait. Does your loved one have a difficult time walking around? Are they in pain, or find it hard to maintain their balance? These are things that should be checked by a doctor. If balance and gait are a problem, there are many therapies available to strengthen muscles and make it easier to get around safely.
- Medications. Medications may help one to feel better, but nearly every medication comes with some sort of side effect. Sometimes the side effect of the medication can be drowsiness or changes in blood pressure, both of which can make the person using them less alert and reactive, and more prone to things like passing out.
- Medical Issues. A fall could also signify a medical condition that you weren’t aware your loved one had. A blood test and a test of kidney function can help to diagnose what is going on. Then you can proceed with the proper treatment.
- Blood Pressure. If you bring in a senior who has had a bad fall, the doctor will most likely want to check his or her blood pressure. Checking it both while they are standing up and when they are sitting can help to give an accurate reading, and can help to bring awareness to any risk of passing out or lightheadedness.
If you or your senior care aide witnessed your aging loved one having a fall, you should take them to see a doctor as soon as you can. It may be nothing, but it is best to find out for sure if there are any underlying medical conditions that would put them at a higher risk for falls in the future.
If you or someone you know needs help with senior care in Rockford, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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8 Things to Have the Doctor Check After an Aging Person Falls
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