By Shannon Wygant, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and owner of the Waterford and Walled Lake, Michigan franchises of Home Instead Senior Care.
- Several of my mother’s friends have fallen and broken hips, and I’m worried about her, since she lives alone. I saw a bruise on her leg the last time I was there and I suspect she might have taken a tumble. Mom has always enjoyed exercising. Any suggestions?
The fact that your mother enjoys exercise is good news, because that’s one of the best ways to keep her bones strong. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) have developed a set of simple guidelines designed to help older Americans avoid falls and lower the incidence of serious injury when falls occur. As a matter of fact, the two organizations launched a public service announcement (PSA) campaign in March 2007 to spread the word to active seniors.“Seniors can help protect themselves against injuries by making some very simple changes around the house and by adopting an ongoing exercise regime,” said James H. Beaty, MD, president of AAOS.
“One in three adults over age 65 falls each year in the United States,” adds Chuck Kimmel, ATC, president of NATA. “Falling injuries for senior citizens can be not only traumatic, but also life threatening—and the healing process is slower. Incorporating balance, strength and flexibility routines into daily activities is essential to stave off the risk of falling.”NATA and AAOS offer active seniors the following guidelines to guard against injuries caused by falling:
· Strength training with weight-bearing and resistance exercise works for all age groups.
· Practice exercises designed to help improve balance.
· Exercise at least three days a week to improve strength, flexibility and balance.
· Choose low-impact exercises to avoid stress on your joints.
· Stretch daily to improve flexibility and mobility.
· Be creative! Try tai chi, pilates and yoga for variety.
Simple home modifications also can help ensure your mom’s safety. Installing grab bars in bathrooms and nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways, along with removing throw rugs, can make a difference. So, too, could a companion. Both you and your mom could be more at ease if you knew that a second set of eyes were available to help. Consider contacting a company like Home Instead Senior Care—a company that provides companionship to seniors both day and night. For more information about Home Instead Senior Care, contact Shannon Wygant at 866-922-1400 or visit www.homeinstead.com.
—Editor’s Note: This is the first in a weekly series which will be emailed every Monday to regional press affiliates to help promote health, welfare, and advocacy for our senior population. Bert Copple, Director of Community Relations, can be reached via email at dcrcommerce@inspireseniors.com, or via cell at 248-953-9916.
I can relate to this as the only caregiver of my father who is aged 70. Being a working caregiver, I have my entire household modified to keep my Dad at ease. I have been looking out for alternative options and found that medical alerts and Pressure alarm systems – emergency alarms are apt for caregiving. Philips and Responselink are a couple of the best that I came across. These devices reassure that there is help even though no one is around. I went with Responselink as they are the only ones with month to month contract.