Seniors have a greater chance of falling at night. Often seniors fall at night when they are going up to bed or when they get up to use the bathroom. They also may fall when they are trying to brush their teeth or clean up before bed. Nighttime falls are particularly dangerous for seniors because unless they have 24-hour home care services they may not be able to get help if they need it. 24-hour home care is recommended for seniors that are aging in place so that they will always have someone in the house to help in an emergency.
Some things that seniors can do to prevent nighttime falls are:
24-Hour Home Care Pompano Beach FL – How Seniors Can Prevent Falls At NightGet Smart Lighting
Seniors who wake up in the middle of the night and need to get up may not be able to see well. Improving the lighting in the home is an easy way to prevent falls. Motion detection lights should be placed in the bathroom and hallways. That way seniors won’t be shuffling for the switch. Often seniors who are groggy can lose their balance and fall while looking for a light switch. Smart lighting that turns on automatically can prevent those falls.
Clear Clutter and Obstacles
Cords for the phone or TV should be tacked to the wall in cord keepers so that seniors won’t trip on them. Don’t store extra blankets or other items on chairs in the bedroom. Put them away in a closet. Seniors that tend to have poor balance or trouble lifting their feet when they walk should think about having handrails installed in the hallway to help them safely walk down the hall.
Use Assistive Devices
If the senior has mobility issues or balance problems, consider using assistive devices, such as a bedside commode or grab bars, to provide support and stability during nighttime trips to the bathroom. A bedside rail or bed assist handle can also help seniors safely get in and out of bed.
Keep Necessities Next To The Bed
Seniors should keep necessary items, such as a water bottle, glasses, medications, or a phone, within reach of their bed. This will minimize the need to get up and walk in the dark, reducing the risk of falls.
Nighttime Bathroom Tips:
Nighttime bathroom visits are common for many seniors. To prevent falls during these trips seniors should:
- Use a raised toilet seat to make it easier to sit down and stand up.
- Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or bathtub for added support.
- Consider using a portable commode next to the bed if getting to the bathroom is challenging.
Medication Management
Some medications may cause dizziness or drowsiness, increasing the risk of falls. Seniors should regularly review their medications with their healthcare provider to ensure they are not experiencing any side effects that could affect their balance or coordination. A 24-hour home care provider can also help seniors go through their medications and check their side effects. Seniors may need to change the drugs that they take if some medications are causing excessive sleepiness or balance issues.
If you or a family member need to hire 24-Hour Home Care Services in Pompano Beach FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770.
We provide service in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Margate, Pompano Beach, and Tamarac.
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