Fall Factors: Balance
Posted on 10. Apr, 2010 by Rick in Health, Knowledge, Suggestions
Fall Factors: Balance…Both internal (body) and external (environment) factors contribute to falls. Body factors, consist of our sense of balance, muscle strength, flexibility, posture and muscle control. This post discusses our the sources of our internal sense of balance.
Fall Cause and Survival Introduction
Posted on 04. Apr, 2010 by Rick in Health, Knowledge, Suggestions
In-home falls are often caused by hazards that are easy to fix. Unfortunately, easy doesn’t get done, and so these hazards are ignored and overlooked. Each year more than a third of adults over 65 experience a fall. Statistics collected by the CDC indicate that if you have one fall you are two to three times more likely to fall again. Falling is a slippery slope that could be easily avoided. To make matters worse, falls don’t just mean the minor pumps and bruises of youth. In seniors, falls can lead to injury, disability, reduced physical function, loss of independence, drastically increased cost of care, and in the worst scenario–death.
How to know when a loved-one needs help
Posted on 05. Mar, 2010 by Rick in Alzheimer's, Anxiety, Brain Activation, Dementia, Depression, Suggestions
Many changes in life for our aging loved-one, may require attention and support. An active care plan can lessen the impact and improve quality of life. Things may seem normal on the outside, but under the surface nothing is as it should be. The only way to truly know is to be open and honest with yourself and the clues you are seeing.
There are definite signs that indicate some kind of assistance may be necessary. Failing eyesight, memory lapses, confusion, fatigue, sadness, drug and other substance-abuse and appetite changes can account for a diminished ability to manage a home. As spouses and family caregivers, we might want to deny the need for help and hope for the best, but when observed objectively the need for action and increased care is usually undeniable.
This posting contains a simple observational checklist. You may wish to use it to objectively assess your loved-one’s current condition and their ability to safely function independently.