health tips

Meal Ideas For Seniors That Will Help You Plan For 2019

October 21, 2018 mdhomehealthadmin Healthy Eating Comments Off on Meal Ideas For Seniors That Will Help You Plan For 2019 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Most seniors experience a decline in appetite as they age, so it’s often hard to make sure they’re getting enough nutrition in their diets. As the daughter of a senior loved one, you’ve probably worried about this in the past, especially given the fact that you have to balance your own family life and work schedule in the mix every day as well. To be sure that your elderly parent is eating healthy, the following meal suggestions are offered, to carry you into the holidays and beyond.

Breakfast ideas  

A great way to begin a holiday morning for your parent would be to make him/her some whole grain waffles or pancakes. Add a pat of butter and some blueberries on top, and for extra protein, include a handful of walnuts on the side.

Another good breakfast alternative is a good yogurt parfait, which includes yogurt, nuts, and fruit. This is a great combination of healthy fats, protein, carbohydrates, and Vitamin C.

A third option for breakfast is making one or two hard-boiled eggs, and serving them with whole grain toast and some fresh fruit. This is a well-rounded meal that’s light and loaded with nutrition.

Lunch options

One great lunchtime idea is a Southwest omelette, made with two eggs, chunks of pepper jack cheese, and a little chili sauce or salsa. Put a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in your frying pan, then add in the eggs, and as soon as they begin to firm up, you can add in the other ingredients. Fold over when cooked, and serve piping hot.

Eggs and red potatoes are a good choice for a quick lunch full of nutrition. Put a pat of butter into your frying pan, chop up some potatoes into the pan, and add scrambled eggs after the potatoes have cooked for five minutes. Season with pepper, herbs, and spices, but try to avoid using salt.

At holiday time, your elderly parent will love a quinoa salad, made with chopped up stir-fry vegetables, mushrooms, red pepper, and onions. Combine these with cooked quinoa and either pine nuts or pecans, and add a fresh Italian dressing.

Dinner meals

One great holiday option would be to prepare a grilled salmon steak. Top the salmon steak with sweet onion, tomatoes, one tablespoon of olive oil, chopped garlic, and fresh basil. Wrap up the entire fish mixture tightly in aluminum foil and bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes.

For a great-tasting shrimp and pasta meal, begin by putting a pat of butter in your frying pan, along with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Add in some garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and one or two handfuls of shrimp. Toss the ingredients together, and cook them all until the shrimp is done, then place all ingredients over a bed of pasta, and top with tomatoes.

Southwest chicken salad is a great tasty meal that is simple to prepare, starting with cutting up a boneless, skinless chicken breast into your frying pan, along with a tablespoon of olive oil. Add salsa when the chicken is cooked, and serve warm to your appreciative loved one.

Need senior care for 2019?

If you’ll need care for your senior loved one in 2019, contact MD Home Health, the Phoenix Home Health organization which provides the very best caregiving for your elderly parents. We can customize a care plan for your loved one, based entirely on their needs and on your budget, so call us to get the process started today.


What to do When Seniors Stop Eating

June 10, 2018 mdhomehealthadmin Healthy Eating, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on What to do When Seniors Stop Eating , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Given that this month is ‘National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month’, it’s a great time to be a little bit more aware of what your elderly loved ones are including in their daily diets, and whether those things are conducive to good senior health. It’s also good to be aware of how fresh the foods in the refrigerator are, because it’s always possible that things aren’t being monitored closely for expiration dates and for freshness.

Then again, there may be times when, even if you are taking steps to make foods appealing and healthy for your senior loved one, they just aren’t interested in eating. AZ Health Care professionals recommend some of the following ideas for encouraging your senior to eat a little more, and if you can’t be around personally to do that, by all means consider retaining Phoenix health care specialists to help support the healthy eating initiatives at home.

Possible Responses

The first thing you should do is make sure that your senior’s disinterest in foods isn’t due to a medical condition, or a result of some medication they’re taking for a condition already present. Assuming that isn’t the cause, it’s worth a try to adjust the timing of served meals, adapting mealtimes to when your senior seems hungry, rather than at traditional times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The way you serve meals may also have an impact. For instance, your senior may feel more confident about eating soup from a cup than a bowl, or he/she may prefer meats which have been cut up into small bites, as opposed to the cuts they were sold in.

Adding a little seasoning might increase the appeal of certain foods, and since seniors typically begin to lose taste as they age, a little extra might be just the ticket. Sometimes, seniors just aren’t interested in eating alone, and might feel more inclined if they had a partner to share with. Inquire about social meals and get-togethers at local community centers to make the experience more enjoyable.

When seniors develop increasingly low appetites, it’s better to provide them with heavy doses of nutrients rather than larger portions. Healthy calories from peanut butter and other foods might strike their fancy. And if the issue is that your loved one simply doesn’t enjoy cooking anymore, why not pitch right in, and share the preparation and cooking tasks with him/her? It will provide some good quality time to be with your loved one, and it may even overcome their disinterest in the whole cooking process.

One or more of these suggestions should do the trick, but if your senior loved one still shows little interest in eating after all your efforts, you might want to consider using an appetite stimulant to be sure they’re getting the nutrition needed.  

Monitoring the diet of your senior loved one

It can be a difficult task to constantly monitor what your senior loved one is eating, especially if you have other commitments at home and on the job. But you don’t have to do all this alone – MD Home Health has been a trusted provider in the greater Phoenix area ever since 1985, and has helped many families through difficult times with health and home care. Contact us today to learn more.

 


Dealing with Dementia: Do’s and Don’ts

May 14, 2018 mdhomehealthadmin Articles, Caregiver Information, Hiring a Caregiver Comments Off on Dealing with Dementia: Do’s and Don’ts , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dementia is a condition which affects a person’s ability to remember things, to communicate effectively, and even to think normally, and as you might expect, that can have an enormous impact on daily life. One of the most common causes of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease, which afflicts seniors in greater numbers than any other demographic. As of 2018, there are approximately 5.7 million Americans who have Alzheimer’s Disease, and of these, 5.5 million are ages 65 and over. MD Home Assist caregivers and Phoenix home health caregivers offer the following tips on how to manage the behaviors of your elderly loved one afflicted with dementia.

Positive Body Language

Almost more important than what you say to a senior, is the body language you express when around them. The most effective communication with your loved one should include gentle touches, a quiet and respectful tone when talking, and pleasant facial expressions.

Maintain Humor

A humorous approach to your home health care can be very helpful and will usually be well-received by your senior, as long as the humor is not at their expense. A smile and a laugh are therapeutic for practically anyone, and seniors with dementia are no exception. 

Use Conversation That is Simple and Direct

Since comprehension may be impaired in your senior loved one, it’s best to communicate with statements and questions that are simple and direct, so they can better understand them. Whenever possible, ask questions which only require a yes/no, or one-word answer, and when speaking, be slow and clear with statements.

Limit Distractions

When you’re trying to discuss anything with your senior or you need to convey something important, you should limit or eliminate other background distractions such as television or radio. To be sure you get his/her attention, sit or stand at the same level as your senior, and be sure to make eye contact, so as to establish the most direct possible connection.

Be Patient

Don’t get irritated or annoyed when dealing with your senior, even if it becomes difficult to get a point across, or to understand what they’re trying to tell you. If he/she is having difficulty verbalizing something, it’s perfectly alright to suggest or guess at what they’re trying to say. Sometimes it’s better to listen with your heart than with your ears.

Redirect When Things Get Difficult

For those times when things become difficult with your senior loved one, and he/she gets upset about something, try redirecting the situation into something more pleasant and completely off-topic. Take a walk, listen to soothing music, or do anything that your senior really enjoys to defuse the situation and replace it with something more pleasant.

Don’t Point Out Mistakes or Misunderstandings

Don’t press the point when you feel that your senior is wrong about something, and don’t insist on impressing your views upon them. Most likely you will only cause them to be more upset by pressing your point anyway, so it’s far better to just let it pass and be as calm and reassuring as you can.

Remember the Good Times

Ironically, many seniors afflicted by dementia have difficulty recalling something that happened an hour ago, but can easily remember events of 30 or 40 years ago. Take advantage of this fact in your Phoenix health care by frequently bringing up those happier times from youth, and taking your senior back to a happy place.

Break Down Difficult Tasks

Any activity which might present a problem for your loved one should be managed in a series of do-able steps, rather than trying to accomplish the complete task at once. One example might be getting dressed in the morning. Create minor tasks for each article of clothing, and address those one at a time with your senior, so that each one can be a small success in its own way.

Positive Reinforcement

Keep in mind that your loved one is going through something which is extremely disorienting and possibly debilitating, and that it won’t take much to get him/her confused, frustrated, and maybe even frightened. As a main caregiver providing Arizona health care for a senior, you can best support them by being positive all the time, and by being loving and supportive, rather than critical or argumentative.

Taking care of an aging parent or loved one can be a stressful experience. But you do not have to endure it alone. We take senior health care very seriously, and as one of the top home health care companies Phoenix, you can rely on our expertise and professionalism for your health care needs. Contact us today to learn more.


Healthy Summer Snacks to Help Keep You Hydrated, Cool and Slim

June 8, 2017 mdhomehealthadmin Uncategorized Comments Off on Healthy Summer Snacks to Help Keep You Hydrated, Cool and Slim , , , ,

Summer is right around the corner. Many people associate summer with cold beers and hanging out by the pool to keep cool. However, the foods you eat can have a large effect on how you feel in the heat as well. Some foods are believed to cause warming or cooling effects in the body. Eating healthy is always important, but here a few healthy summer snack ideas from your Phoenix home care professionals that can help you feel cool in the heat.

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of water content. Staying hydrated during a hot day is very important to feel cool and keep your body functioning properly. Eating raw fruits and vegetables can help your body stay hydrated, along with drinking plenty of fluids. Being easy to digest, your body also doesn’t have to work as hard to break raw fruits and vegetables down. If you crave something more hearty, pairing with a dip such as hummus is another great cooling summer snack. Watermelons, celery, pineapples, cucumbers, apples and fresh greens such as kale are all jam-packed with water and vitamins. When it comes to cooling summer snacks, fresh fruits and veggies are at the top of the list.

 

  • Fresh ceviche is a great cooling summer snack if you are looking for a more hearty snack and you are not a vegetarian or vegan. Ceviche is a raw fish dish that is “cooked” by the acidity of lime juice. It is very easy to prepare and is always served chilled, so it is a great summer snack or meal option.

 

  • Banana “nice cream” is an excellent healthy dessert option. Take some frozen peeled bananas and pop them in the blender with some of your favorite nut milk, coconut water, or dairy alternative. The dairy and other ingredients in traditional ice cream cause you to feel bloated which can make you feel hotter. Add just enough nut milk to blend the bananas into an ice cream consistency. Add some peanut butter or cocoa powder for a little extra flavor. This is a great summer dessert sure to keep you cool and is also vegan and healthy!

 

These are just a few simple, cheap and healthy snack ideas to help keep you cool during the dog days of summer. Phoenix home health care professionals can help you with more healthy eating advice for summer and year round. For more information on our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.

 


The Benefits of Exercise and an Active Lifestyle

May 16, 2017 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Healthy Eating, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on The Benefits of Exercise and an Active Lifestyle , , , , , ,

May is National Sports and Physical Fitness month. Now is a great time to spread awareness of the many benefits provided by engaging in an active lifestyle. Many Americans don’t get enough exercise in their day to day lives. An active lifestyle can improve your mood, promote social interaction and even increase the longevity of your life. If you are someone who is not getting enough physical activity, here are a few reasons why now is great time to make some positive changes in your life.

Make Small Changes

Don’t set yourself up for failure when starting to make changes to your lifestyle. It’s not always easy to break out of comfort zones. Set small goals first, and make small accomplishments. Encourage family and friends to join in your physical activity, like taking a walk together or going for a bike ride. Getting active is a great way to build lasting friendships and build a sense of community. Communities can work together to create opportunities for everyone to be lead a more active lifestyle.

Improved Heart Health

Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death in the United States. However, just two and half hours per week of moderate aerobic workout can improve you heart’s health and lower your risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Maintaining a regular active lifestyle can also improve your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Improved Mood and Mental Health

Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of depression. It can also help keep your cognition skills sharp as you age. Sharper motor skills can reduce the risk for falls and injuries. An active lifestyle can help boost endorphin production in the brain, resulting in a happier mood. An active lifestyle can even help you sleep better naturally as well.

Control your Weight

Scientific evidence shows that physical activity can help manage weight gain over time. The exact amount of physical activity varies from person to person. However, an average of 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise and a healthy balanced diet is a great recipe to manage caloric intake and manage your weight.

There are many health benefits of exercise, and even more creative ways to engage in some form of physical activity. Even for individuals who are home bound or have physical limitations, Phoenix home health care professionals provide a variety of in home physical therapy and training. For more information on our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.


7 Ways Gardening Can Extend Your Life

April 15, 2017 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on 7 Ways Gardening Can Extend Your Life , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In honor of April being National Garden Month, and this beautiful spring weather, we’d like to share some of the amazing health benefits gardening can bring into your life. Gardening is so healthy that it could, in fact, add years your life. Here are some of our favorite health benefits one can gain from the healthy hobby of gardening.

Improves Brain Health and Reduces Alzheimer’s Risk

A study conducted on the long-term effects of gardening on the brain found that daily gardening was the single most effective activity in reducing the prevalence of dementia by 36-47%. This is likely due to the various health benefits the act of gardening brings, such as increased strength, endurance, learning, dexterity, sensory function and problem solving skills.

Improves Self-Esteem and Lowers Stress

There was a Dutch study conducted that showed the cortisol (stress hormone) levels of those who gardened for 30 minutes, vs. those who read for 30 minutes. The study found that those who gardened for 30 minutes had much lower cortisol levels, and much higher self-esteem levels than those who read.

Reduces Risk for Stroke and Increases Heart Health

A study conducted in Stockholm found that regular gardening reduced the risk for stroke in those over the age of 60 by 30%. For those who may have physical difficulties or need home health care, bending or leaning over to garden may present some problems. This is an easy fix through incorporating raised garden beds. It is also a healthy idea to expose your skin to the sun without sunscreen for 10-15 minutes per day in order to absorb your daily dose of Vitamin D. This is another factor in reducing heart disease and other issues associated with heart health. It’s also best to conduct gardening sessions in smaller time segments than doing it all at once, as sitting is another cause for poor heart health.

Reduced Depression Symptoms and Improved Mental Health

There are a variety of factors associated with gardening that can help stimulate one’s mental health. These factors include physical activity, sunlight, being surrounded by nature, the satisfaction one gets from a job well done, and the cognitive stimulation it provides. For the best mental health benefits associated with gardening, keep a garden that has a balanced mix of plants to nourish all of the senses, such as food-producing plants, flowers for visual appeal and nicely scented plants.

Regulates the Immune System

The immune system is elevated due to the Vitamin D absorption gardening brings. It is also boosted when one decides to forego the gardening gloves, and get their hands dirty. Gardening dirt contains nutrient bacteria or “Mycobacterium vaccae”. This bacterium has shown to improve common symptoms of a weak immune system, such as asthma, allergies and psoriasis.

Better Nutrition

There’s nothing healthier than growing your own vegetables. So long as you use healthy soil, lay off the pesticides, and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables from your garden when they are ripe, you will be greatly increasing your health on numerous levels. It’s also a cost-effective solution to purchasing expensive organic produce at your local store, farmer’s market, or co-op.

Being Surrounded by Green Plants Adds Years to Your Life

It’s no secret that being surrounded by nature and green spaces can benefit our physical and mental health.  A couple of studies conducted by the CDC and Michigan State University found that small increases of 10% in green space surrounding a person’s location of home could increase their life by a number of years.

This just goes to show how important gardening and being outdoors in nature is for our well-being. If you’d like more information on health care in Phoenix, finding a caregiver to assist you in gardening, or getting more active outdoors, we are here for you.  For more information on our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.


8 Ways Pets Improve Our Health

April 11, 2017 mdhomehealthadmin Articles Comments Off on 8 Ways Pets Improve Our Health , , , , , , , ,

If you ask any pet owner who their best friend is, they just might name one or several furry little friends. Scientists, doctors, and therapists all agree that having a pet is beneficial to both your physical and mental health. Not only do pets help keep us on our toes, entertain us, bring laughter and unconditional love into our lives, but they’re also really great at providing measurable health benefits.

In honor of April being both National Pets are Wonderful and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the folks at MD Home Health have chosen to list a few of our favorite reasons why having a pet greatly enriches life, and helps improve health.

According to the CDC, and additional research studies, owning a pet provides several health benefits such as:


• Lowers anxiety and stress
• Lowers depression
• Lowers triglyceride levels
• Lowers blood pressure
• Lowers cholesterol
• Lowers feelings of loneliness
• Increases activity and exercise
• Increases socialization

Those who need home care or companionship could greatly benefit from owning a pet. Pets are so beneficial to our health, they can become certified as assistance or therapy animals, and allowed to accompany their owners just about anywhere. Even if a pet owner is not able to exercise, or move as freely as they would like, a pet can help improve health, and assistance for pet care, or assistance from a service animal, is available through licensed Phoenix home health professionals. You may even request an assistance pet to come to your home and help with your day to day tasks.

If you’d like to celebrate the powerful healing benefits of animals this April, you may join in with attending a pet awareness event, adopting a pet, or donating to a charitable cause that either helps rescue animals, or works toward preventing cruelty to animals. You may also choose to honor the pets that you have with some special attention this much, such as trips to a park or beach, and making sure to give your pet healthy pet food. You may also want to check up on the health of your pet by making your annual veterinary visit for a check-up. Investing in your pet’s overall health and happiness will pay off in the long-run with increased health and happiness in your life as well.

If you’re interested in having someone come to your home for some companionship or assistance, or are wondering if it’s time for a home caregiver, we would be happy to help. We can have someone come to your home and give you a free consultation to identify your needs. For more information, or a detailed quote, call (619) 291-8181 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.

 


3 Healthy Tips to Help You Spring into Spring

March 9, 2017 mdhomehealthadmin Uncategorized Comments Off on 3 Healthy Tips to Help You Spring into Spring , , , , , , , , , , ,

Spring is in the air, and what better time than now to consider some healthy lifestyle tips to help you feel your best and enjoy the warming weather. Whether you are a professional caregiver or a person in need of Phoenix home care, a healthy lifestyle is always something to consider. It can be easy and fun to start new healthy habits.

Sprouting

 Sprouting at home is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to start a new healthy habit. Its also fun to watch your sprouts grow and gives a sense of connection to your food. All you need to begin sprouting at home is a one quart, wide mouth mason jar and a sprouting lid, or a lid with a screen to allow water drainage and air flow.

 Many kinds of seeds, nuts and beans can be sprouted and eatable within a few short days. Sprouting actually increases the nutrition of the food by activating the germination process. Mung beans, broccoli seeds, alfalfa and radish seeds are healthy and easy options to start with. Simply soak your beans or seeds in the jar overnight or for about 10 hours, and drain. Continue to rinse the sprouts twice a day, and try to spread them in an even layer horizontally in the jar. Within a few days you will notice the seeds begin to germinate. Most sprouts are ideal to consume within 3-7 days, and can last even longer when stored in the fridge.

Eating Organic Fruits and Vegetables

 Another healthy home tip to consider is buying organic fruits and vegetables when possible. Many common fruits and vegetables that are conventionally grown contain trace amounts of pesticides, even after being washed. There is a list known as the Dirty Dozen that addresses foods with the highest risk of pesticide contamination. These foods should be purchased as certified USDA Organic when possible to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals. There is also a list known as the Clean Fifteen that addresses foods with the lowest risk of contamination, and can be purchased conventionally grown. Organic food is often times more expensive than conventionally grown, but the high quality and safety of organic food is a powerful investment to make in your personal health.

Fun in The Sun

 Don’t forget to get outside and enjoy those sunny days! Before the heat of summer sets in, take advantage of the great outdoors. Our bodies benefit from exposure to direct sunlight in small doses. When exposed to direct sunlight, our skin produces vitamin D, beta-endorphins which elevate our mood, nitric oxide which can lower blood pressure, and host of other chemicals that aren’t taken in with a vitamin D supplement. You can start with ten to fifteen minutes of unprotected sun exposure per day. After that, it is recommended to use sunblock or cover up with hats, long sleeves and pants. If you are someone who needs assistance with getting in and out of the house, our Phoenix home health care professionals would be happy to assist you in having some fun in the sun and enjoying the outdoors.

Everyone can benefit from healthy lifestyle habits. These are just a few examples of ways to start feeling your best to enjoy the Spring weather. This month, March, is National Nutrition Month, so there’s no better time to get healthy than now.  For more information on health tips or our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742, or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.


March is National Nutrition Month

March 1, 2017 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Caregiver Information, Healthy Eating Comments Off on March is National Nutrition Month , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

March is National Nutrition Month, which is an education and information campaign created annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year’s theme strives to help people manage their weight successfully and reduce their risk of chronic disease while promoting general health. Consuming fewer calories, getting daily exercise and making educated food choices are part of this year’s goals. There are many easy ways to engage in a healthy lifestyle.

Cut the Calories Without Going Hungry

 Cutting down on calories is an easy way to feel better and prevent unnecessary weight gain. There is more to reducing caloric intake than just simply  “eating less.” Making simple choices in what foods you eat is easier than depraving yourself from eating. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables over processed snacks and red meat is a healthy way to cut calories. Snacking on fruit before every meal is a great way to reduce cravings and eat more sensibly at meal time. Try an apple 15 minutes before lunch to curb a ravenous appetite.

Daily Exercise

 Daily exercise is important for a healthy cardiovascular system. Elevating your heart rate for 20 to 30 minutes a day is a clinically researched way to promote heart health. If you are someone who needs home assistance, one of our processional caregivers would be glad to assist you with an exercise routine. Strengthening therapy is just one of many medical services provided by our Phoenix home health care professionals.

 Informed Decisions

 Making educated food choices is important to a healthy lifestyle. Make sure to know your body’s caloric and nutritional needs by talking to your doctor or a health care professional. Eating organic food is a great way to provide wholesome nutrition to your body without the risk of contamination from toxic pesticides. Eating a plant based diet is also a great way to cut down on calories and give your body the nutrition it needs. Cut down on processed and packaged foods and stick to the ones that can be found at local farmers’ market.

Cutting calories, daily exercise and making informed decisions when buying food are all stepping stones to a healthy lifestyle. The food we eat is directly connected to how we feel and the health of our bodies. Let this National Nutritional Month be an inspiration to start some new healthy habits. To find out more about our Phoenix home health services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.


Why Fall Prevention is So Important

February 6, 2017 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Caregiver Information, Hiring a Caregiver, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on Why Fall Prevention is So Important , , , , , , , , , , , ,

February is National Senior Independence Month, and while many are doing their part in promoting healthy living, caregiving and exercise, it is equally important to stress the risk of falls, and to join in promoting fall prevention this month. According to the CDC, one out of every three adults age 65 and over falls each year. Falling is also the leading cause of accident related deaths for this age group. This makes falling one of the single highest threats to the independence of seniors. It is for this reason that we are going to dedicate an entire blog post to the topic of fall prevention this month; in spreading awareness, and helping prevent accidents, while promoting senior independence.

Important Statistics

According to the CDC, falling is a serious and costly issue facing those 65 and older, and their website has listed the following shocking statistics:

  • 1 of 5 falls causes a serious injury–broken bones or a head injury.
  • Over 300,000 seniors are hospitalized annually for hip fractures.
  • Nearly 3 million seniors are treated in the ER for injuries resulting from a fall.
  • Over 800,000 seniors are hospitalized yearly for fall injuries. Hip fractures and head injuries are the most common.
  • Over 95% of hip fractures are caused from falling, and usually onto one’s side.
  • The most common cause for traumatic brain injuries is falling.
  • The annual cost incurred from fall injuries is $31 billion. 2/3 of this results from hospital costs.

After a Fall

After a person falls, they are likely to suffer from broken bones. Common breaks from falling include wrists, arms, hips and ankles. They may also suffer a head injury. Head injuries can be serious, and medications such as blood thinners can make them even more dangerous. If a senior has hit their head, they should see a doctor immediately to rule out brain injury. Even if the senior has fallen and was lucky enough to escape serious injury, a fall can have debilitating mental effects that could cause the person to become fearful of falling again. This is likely to interfere with their normal daily routines, and cause them to become less active. Being less active is only going to increase their risk of a future fall more in the long run, so a good therapist may be essential after a loved one has experienced a fall.

Risk Factors

The Center for Disease Control has identified the following factors for increased risk of falling. Most falls are the result of a combination of risk factors, and the more factors someone has, the higher their risk of experiencing a fall.

  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Weak lower body
  • Troubles walking or balancing
  • Foot pain, or poorly made footwear
  • Medications that affect one’s balance (over-the-counter or prescription)
  • Home hazards
    • Uneven or broken steps
    • Lack of handrails next to stairs or in the bathroom
    • Throw rugs or clutter that one may trip over

Fall Prevention

The best way to help your loved one to prevent a fall is to evaluate their risk first in their home, and second with their medical doctor. You may want to ask a Phoenix home health care professional to evaluate your loved one’s home. You may even want to hire a Phoenix home care provider to visit the home of your loved one on a regular basis to clean, or assist them during daily tasks that open them up to greater risk for falling. Your doctor can help you find ways to reduce fall risk around the home, and you may want to review the medications your loved one is taking, and add a vitamin D supplement into their daily diet. The biggest factor in reducing the risk of falling is exercise. Tai Chi is great for helping increase lower body strength and balance.

For more information on preventing falls, our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.

 


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