Research has shown that falls are the leading cause of both non-fatal and fatal injuries in older adults. Though falls can be prevented, it has been noted that about one out of four Americans aged 65 and above fall every year. This has caused about 30,000 deaths every year. Those who survived their fall suffer from serious injuries, like fractures, which limited their mobility. They have to rely on mobility aids which can reduce their quality of life as getting to places becomes a hassle. Falls are very common among older adults because of movement challenges, chronic conditions, vision and hearing loss and medication. Especially when an older adult has fallen before, some may develop a fear of falling, causing them to limit their activities or mobility. This in turn, weakens the muscles and increases their fall risk. It has been reported that the number of falls among older adults will increase as the population ages. This shows that it becomes more important that the team at senior assisted living have to strive to protect all the residents under their care. Thankfully, these falls are preventable as long as the senior living community has frequent prevention assessments and strategies. At senior assisted living in Cary, NC, they prioritize the safety of all their residents. They have a comprehensive fall prevention plan to ensure the safety and protection of all residents. Here is why the senior assisted living in Cary, NC is perfect for your loved ones.
Fall Risk Assessment
At senior assisted living Cary, NC, every resident will have to go through a fall risk assessment. Their fall risk can be calculated by doing a 30 second chair stand test, timed up and go test and the four stage balance test. A 30 second chair stand test will assess how strong their legs are through counting the number of times the resident can stand up from their seat without any support in 30 seconds. The timed up and go test assesses the ability of the resident to stand and walk after seating. If this takes the resident more than 12 seconds to do so, it is an indicator that the resident has high fall risk. The four stage balance test will assess whether the resident can balance and hold four poses for at least ten seconds. These tests have to be conducted by professionals who are trained to carry out the tests. Additionally, these risk assessments should be done regularly as the ability of the resident can change after a period of time.
Exercise Programs
In senior assisted living Cary, NC, every resident will be enrolled in an exercise program to ensure that the resident can improve their agility, strength and balance. These exercises will help strengthen the muscles that help them walk and stabilize themselves. Additionally, with exercises, older adults are able to break their fall better so that they do not end up with severe injuries. Exercising will help with the residents health and wellness, increasing their quality of life.
