Getting up and lying down become difficult for seniors as they age, making them more susceptible to falling out of bed. Falling out of bed could lead to serious issues for aging adults, including broken bones, head traumas, infections, and even fatal injuries, which is why family caregivers should use the following tips to lower their senior loved ones’ risk of falling out of bed.
1. Boost Bone Health
Exercising on a regular basis can increase balance and flexibility, making it easier to get in and out of bed. Your loved one should do moderate exercises during the week, such as walking, swimming, and yoga. Participating in activities like gardening can also strengthen the muscles and prevent your loved one from falling out of bed.
Many seniors need help with exercising and other activities. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Las Vegas Assisting Hands Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.
2. Position the Bed Accordingly
A senior’s bed shouldn’t be placed too close to dressers, chairs, and other objects that could lead to an injury or accident. The height of the bed should also be set according to your loved one’s abilities. For example, if your loved one is short, you shouldn’t raise the bed too high because it will become difficult to climb in and out of the bed. Instead, make sure your loved one’s feet can touch the ground easily, putting less stress on the bones.
3. Develop Good Sleeping Patterns
If your loved one doesn’t sleep well throughout the night, he or she might wake up groggy and confused. As a result, your loved one may have difficulty getting in and out of bed, and his or her risk of falling may increase. When seniors get plenty of rest, they often wake up more alert and energized, preventing them from falling. To help your loved one sleep better at night, develop a bedtime routine that relaxes his or her body. You should also monitor your loved one’s medications to ensure the prescriptions aren’t damaging his or her sleep quality or brain chemistry.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality elderly home care, Assisting Hands Home Care Las Vegas can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
4. Add Safety Features
Purchase a bed with railings and other safety features that prevent falls and serious injuries. Bed rails can work like grab bars, giving seniors something to grip as they get in and out of bed. Search for beds that can adjust electronically with the push of a button. Your loved one can use the features to adjust the bed for safety and comfort. If your loved one wants to sit up straight, he or she can raise the electric bed without exerting a lot of energy, changing the positions based on personal preferences and current comfort levels.
5. Avoid Extra Bedding
Decorations can make a room seem fuller and brighter, but too many throws, pillows, and covers can increase the risk of falling. When your loved one pulls back the unused items, his or her feet could get tangled in the sheets and comforter sets, causing him or her to fall when getting out of bed. Make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature to prevent the need for excess blankets and covers.
There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Assisting Hands Home Care is a leading Las Vegas home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us at 702-919-0231 today.
