Did you know that falling is one of the leading causes of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults? Falls happen frequently to residents in retirement homes in Estero FL, which is why these communities have established different fall prevention strategies. By creating a safe environment and educating residents on taking precautionary measures, retirement communities can provide residents and their loved ones greater peace of mind.
Why Is Fall Prevention Crucial?
A single fall can bring life-changing consequences for older adults. Injuries such as sprains and fractures will take several months to heal. Those who suffer from mobility issues after their fall may no longer enjoy the things they used to do. By implementing fall prevention policies, retirement communities can ensure the residents’ safety and reduce the likelihood of them falling and sustaining serious injuries. Read on to learn about some of the fall prevention strategies used in retirement homes.
Fall-Proofing Homes
Retirement communities make sure that their apartments or suites are well-lit so the residents won’t have trouble spotting any obstacle in their way. They fasten rugs and carpets to the floor so they won’t move from their positions and cause residents to slip. Grab bars or handrails are also installed in areas such as the bathroom and staircases. Any electrical cords and hazards that may cause tripping are safely kept away from pathways or entryways. Additionally, residents are advised to get elderly-friendly furniture and wear non-skid and low-heeled shoes to minimize the risk of falls.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
To maintain the safety of the entire community, regular risk assessments and routine inspections are carried out. Team members in retirement communities will check for slippery or uneven surfaces, poor lighting and test the holding power of grab bars and handrails. At the same time, they perform regular maintenance and repairs in residents’ homes.
Promoting Exercise
Another approach to minimizing fall risks is encouraging residents to exercise. Activities as simple as stretching and strolling can increase muscle strength and improve balance. To promote exercise, retirement communities are equipped with fitness centers and swimming pools. They also create wellness programs, like yoga and water aerobics, that are designed to improve residents’ agility, strength, flexibility and body coordination. For residents’ safety, exercises are always done under professional supervision.
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living
Some tasks are difficult to perform when one gets older. For this reason, retirement homes with assisted living offer residents assistance with activities of daily living so that they don’t have to carry out day-to-day tasks on their own. In addition to housekeeping and home maintenance, residents can receive help with bathing, grooming, medication and continence management and more. Many retirement communities provide individualized care plans according to the needs and preferences of each resident.
Consistent Health Monitoring
Health monitoring in retirement communities is more than just making sure the residents are taking their medications or supplements. Because some prescription drugs have side effects such as drowsiness and low blood pressure, those on medications might be at risk of a fall. Therefore, monitoring the residents’ condition throughout the day is an essential part of a comprehensive fall prevention strategy. Some retirement homes also offer round-the-clock medical care and supervision by trained nurses and health professionals.
