[Infographic] Exercises to Help Seniors Improve Their Balance to Prevent Falls

As we get older, it is increasingly essential that we take care of our bodies and take measures to guard against potential dangers, most notably the possibility of injuring ourselves in a fall. Because old age increases the risk of injury or even death from falls, it is critical to take precautions to protect the well-being of those you care about. Are you concerned about an elderly person may be tripping and falling? It is possible to lessen the likelihood of an elderly person falling by taking preventative measures.


Elderly Fall Risks
It's not as uncommon as you might believe for older folks to get injuries from falls, which can be a major problem for those who have it. More than one out of every four elderly persons will have injuries from falling each year. The effects of these falls can be devastating, including bone fractures (especially in the hips), head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even death in extreme cases.

Even while a fall can happen to anybody, there are certain risk factors that may make the person you care about more likely to fall. These are the following:

• a lack of strength in the thighs or hips, as well as difficulties walking
  
• Pain in the feet or shoes that don't work well
  
• Vitamin D insufficiency
  
• Certain pharmaceuticals, such as tranquilizers, and antidepressants, are known to
  
• Vision problems
  
• Recuperating from a recent operation or other medical procedure
  
• Environmental variables that increase the risk of falling, such as stairs or clutter
  

Fall Prevention in the Elderly
It's common for elderly people to have more than one of these risk factors, and the more ones they have, the higher the probability that they'll take a tumble at some point. It is essential to address as many of these aspects as is humanly possible in order to guarantee the well-being of your loved one. For some, the solution may be as easy as a simple adjustment, while for others, a shift in lifestyle, either temporary or permanent, may be required. The following are some of the steps that you can take:

• Address environmental factors. Think about the environments in which they spend their days, especially if they live alone. Do they frequently use the stairs on their own, both ascending and descending? They might benefit from taking precautions to increase their safety, such as installing new banisters or a chair lift. Is there clutter in the form of throw rugs or other items that can get in their way? Make the suggestion that they dispose of some of their stuff (and offer to assist them in doing so!). They are at a lower risk of tripping if you provide assistance in organizing their space and removing needless clutter.
  
• Pay attention to the footwear. Pay close attention to the footwear of the people you care about. Are they excessively large? Not small enough? Are they worn out or dangerous in any other way that could lead to a fall? If you are unsure, you can get them fitted at a shoe store to see if they are the right size.
  
• Eat in a way that is good for you. Since the food we consume plays a significant part in determining our state of health, it is essential that they have an adequate amount of protein, vitamin D, and calcium in our diet in order to maintain a healthy and robust body.
  
• Regular exercise. Your loved one can keep their body in good physical shape by moving around frequently. The tone of muscles, as well as coordination and balance, can be improved by exercise. Make an effort to locate the most suitable form of physical activity. This might be as easy as going for walks on a regular basis or signing up for a program designed just for seniors.
  
• Check-in with knowledgeable people. Because every individual is different, it is essential to have consistent communication with the physician who cares for a person you care about. They can assist you in better understanding the elements that pose a risk as well as the most effective approaches to managing those problems.
  
• When it's necessary, extra care. They may be momentarily at a higher risk for falling for a short period of time if they have recently undergone medical treatment or surgery. They are required to make a full recovery in a secure setting. Take into consideration the possibility that they will require rehabilitation or subacute care in a nursing home while they are recovering from their illness.
  

Exercises to Improve Your Balance to Help Prevent Falls
Keeping a healthy lifestyle and engaging in balancing exercises on a regular basis are the two most effective ways to reduce the risk of falling. These should be low-impact, easy activities that strengthen your loved one's muscles (especially in their legs and hips), which will reduce the likelihood that they may stumble. Are you looking for a spot to begin your journey?

Your loved one will benefit from these exercises by gaining strength, which will enable them to keep better balance and reduce the likelihood of their falling. A very crucial point to remember: watch out for their well-being while they are working out. If you are unsure of the amount of physical exertion that they are capable of, you should consult with their physician to devise an exercise plan and ensure that all of their workouts are monitored by an instructor.

Maintaining the Well-Being of Your Loved One
At BSH Care, we are concerned about the well-being and security of our residents, both while they are under our care and after they leave. We are here for you and your loved one in the event that they require the assistance of a comfortable and secure nursing environment. Complete our application so that we can determine if BSH Care is the best place for you. We are excited to be of assistance to you in meeting all of the health requirements of your loved one.