Due to the decreasing health quality of the elderly, they are more prone to injuries. While aging is quite inevitable, there are still other measures that can be taken by loved ones to reduce the effects or chances of an injury.
As a caregiver or loved one, you have to develop a plan to assist your aging family members to stay healthy and safe.
In this article, we will be going over the most usual injuries seniors suffer.
Burns
Injuries caused by burns are quite common among older individuals, and they could result in severe consequences. Seniors often suffer from burns while cooking due to their decreasing health.
Seniors suffering from memory decline, for instance, could forget to turn off the stove. While our aging loved ones need their freedom and independence, you should still try checking up on them while they take on daily tasks like cooking.
Ankle Sprains
While exercising or just walking around, aging individuals have a high chance of twisting their ankles, causing the joint to shift from its original and natural position.
Various seniors even avoid taking part in physical exercises or activities because they are afraid of twisting their ankles or even sustaining other more serious injuries.
However, you can try easing their anxieties by recommending low-impact exercises that won’t overly stress their bodies.
Hip Dislocation
As we grow older, our bones happen to get weaker, putting older adults at a higher risk of suffering from hip injuries.
Experiencing decreased vision and taking numerous medications will also increase the chances of falling over and possibly breaking the upper part of the femur bone.
By living a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce the possibility of this happening.
You should also remove every possible tripping hazard from their homes, monitor their medications, and ensure they are getting enough vitamin D and calcium.
Lower Back Pain
Disc degeneration, arthritic facet joints, and thickened ligaments are some of the problems the elderly face, increasing their chances of lower back pains and injuries.
To avoid these lower back problems, they have to eat more nutritious foods and keep a healthy weight.
Exercising lightly regularly will also result in good posture which will inevitably lower the chances of experiencing any lower back pains. Physical therapy could also be quite helpful here.
Through physical therapy, you can improve the senior’s physical functionality, movement, and general independence. This can reduce their dependence on pain-relieving drugs.
Groin Injuries
Seniors usually rip or overstretch their hip adductor muscles, resulting in groin Injuries. These injuries can be quite painful and make walking difficult for them.
To avoid accidents of this nature, seniors have to focus the severity of their exercise on their physical capabilities and gradually increase the routine.
However, if the senior experiences any pain or stiffness while working out, they must immediately stop the exercise and check in with their physician.
Getting your aging loved ones into an assisted living facility is also another important tip to note. By getting them assisted living services, they are cared for 24/7, even when you can’t do it yourself. Riverview Retirement Community will give your aging loved ones the care and medical assistance they need to improve their overall quality of living.
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