Adult Recovery Care Steps After Experiencing a Fall at Home
Falling at home is scary, both for seniors and their families. A sudden fall often leads to injuries and a long road to recovery, both physically and emotionally. Knowing what to do after a fall and understanding elderly fall recovery is essential for family caregivers who want to help their loved ones. Here’s our guide to fall risks in older adults and how you can keep your loved one as safe as possible.
What Causes Falls in Older Adults?
Falls happen all too often among seniors. They’re often the result of a combination of factors that become more frequent as we grow older. Get to know some of the most common causes of falls in older adults:
- Changes in vision
- Balance issues
- Muscle weakness
- Medications that cause dizziness or fatigue
What to Do Immediately After a Fall
Most of us are prone to panic when someone gets hurt. But if your loved one falls at home, it’s crucial to stay calm. First, ask your loved one if they’re in pain before attempting any movement. If they describe severe pain or suspect a broken bone, call emergency services immediately. Don’t force them to move if they’re visibly injured, as this can worsen their condition. If they don’t report serious pain, you can take these steps:
Get Up, If Possible
If your loved one feels strong enough and is clearly not injured, you can help them get up. Always move slowly. You might have them roll onto their side, then gently transition to their hands and knees. Bring a sturdy chair over, and guide them to place their hands on the seat, bring one foot forward, and push up into a seated position. Once they’re safely sitting down, give them time to rest before encouraging them to stand or walk.
Seek Medical Care
Even if your loved one has no visible injuries, a post-fall urgent care visit is still recommended. Some consequences of a fall, like internal bleeding or minor fractures, might not be immediately visible. A doctor can do a thorough check-up to ensure nothing was missed. They can also review your loved one’s current medications and health conditions to see if something specific caused the fall. Understanding the cause is a critical first step for elderly recovery after a fall.
The Basics of a Post-Fall Recovery and Care Plan
After any type of fall, healing takes time. Many seniors choose to recover at home after they’ve received post-fall urgent care. Once they’ve seen a doctor, a structured care plan can help seniors regain their strength safely. While every recovery plan is different, they often include the following:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Nutrition counseling
- Plenty of hydration
- Frequent check-ins with medical professionals
Emotional and Psychological Recovery After a Fall
The physical impacts of a fall are obvious, but some caregivers overlook the emotional toll an accident can take on their loved one. Many older adults develop a fear of falling again, and this anxiety sometimes causes them to limit their activities. Avoidance can, in turn, lead to further muscle decline and a higher risk of future falls. While you could certainly encourage your loved one to see a mental health professional, you can help them by simply having a conversation. Ask them about their fears and let them know you’re a safe space to talk about their worries.
Preventing Future Falls at Home
Elderly fall recovery isn’t only about healing. As you help your loved one work toward recovery, consider making some adjustments to prevent future falls at home. Start by walking through their home and identifying potential hazards. Remove loose rugs, secure electrical cords, and clear clutter from walkways. Install grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and shower, and make sure all rooms and hallways are brightly lit, especially at night. Small adjustments to the living space drastically reduce the likelihood of another accident.
How You Can Help With a Smooth Recovery
Family caregivers are essential to the recovery process. There’s plenty you can do to help your loved one, even if you have no medical training. You can help with medication administration, meal preparation, and transportation. Many seniors would appreciate you simply being a listening ear. However, when the strain of caregiving starts to weigh on you, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Caregiver burnout is real, and you should seek support before it leaves you feeling exhausted and irritated. The team at SmithLife Homecare is here to help you provide the best possible care for your loved one.
Look to SmithLife Homecare for Support
Immediate care post-fall is crucial, but making a full recovery could take weeks or months. SmithLife Homecare is here to support family caregivers in Maryland and Washington, DC, as they help their senior loved ones regain their mobility and confidence. We offer top-tier care in the comfort of your home and can tailor our services to your specific needs. Contact us today.