Each year, around 36 million adults over the age of 64 falls at least once. It’s estimated that one out of every four older people will fall each year. Is your dad at risk? Does he need elder care assistance?
Many things can lead to a fall. Some falls are simple accidents. Your dad might trip on the family dog or stub his toe on a coffee table while walking past. He may be on medications that cause side effects like dizziness or sleepiness. He may have a hard time with balance and stability when standing up or walking around.
No matter what increases your dad’s fall risk, it’s important to look at the benefits of elder care. Here are the top reasons to hire caregivers to help your dad after a fall.
Someone Is There to Support Him During Showers
When your dad needs to take a shower, he can have a caregiver available to support him as he gets in and out of the shower and settles on his shower seat. His caregiver has a towel ready to get him wrapped up and warm if the bathroom is cool.
He Doesn’t Have to Worry About Daily Household Chores
Your dad knows he can’t get around as easily, so he worries about being able to do his laundry, change his bed sheets, and vacuum carpets. He doesn’t have to worry. His caregiver will do all of his routine household chores for him.
He Has Rides to Follow-Up Appointments
Your dad has someone available to take him to his follow-up appointments. He may have several visits each month with a physical therapist. He also has to see his orthopedist for x-rays to make sure the bones are set correctly. If he can’t drive and you struggle to get the time off, hire caregivers to accompany him to those appointments.
He Can Recuperate Correctly
Your dad’s doctor told him to take it easy for a few weeks, but he’s not one to sit around. With caregivers there to do things for him, he’s not going to be as tempted to get up to get a drink, a snack, or a meal. His caregiver can bring him the mail, a book, or something else to keep him busy.
Your dad fell, which means he’s more likely to fall again within the next year. Make sure he has the support of elder care services when you can’t be around to help him. If he fell while doing the laundry and you’re at work when he likes to get that done, hire an elder care aide to help him.
If your dad fell while taking a shower, make sure he has a caregiver in the bathroom while he showers. He doesn’t have to have the caregiver help him shower, but he needs to have the caregiver’s support while stepping out of the shower.
Arrange elder care services today. One phone call is all it takes to get started.
