Seniors are at risk of falls because of environmental factors and their physical condition. But, people who have dementia are more likely to experience falls than seniors who don’t have the disease. If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, considering our Home Health Care Services in Arlington, Texas can help in reducing your loved ones’ risk of falls. Also, you might want to know how the disease increases their risks. Here are some:
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Mobility Changes
Dementia affects the parts of the brain which coordinate a senior’s gross and fine motor skills. This makes a considerable change in the way they walk and move. The changes can take place slowly and families are usually alerted to these when their seniors experience a serious fall.
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Lack of Awareness of Their Conditions
In the mid to end stages of dementia, seniors usually don’t know about their present condition. They easily forget their muscle weakness and compromised mobility. Thus, it’s not surprising for them to perform activities even if they can’t, putting them at risk for falls.
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Wandering and Difficult Behaviors
People with dementia may display various difficult behaviors such as refusal of care, yelling, and asking the same questions again and again. They are also likely to wander. Their behaviors affect their risks for falls because they concentrate on getting to places they have in mind without taking precautions.
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Inability to Adjust to a New Environment
A lot of families put their loved ones with dementia in a care facility, particularly when the disease has advanced. However, dementia sufferers will have difficulty adjusting to the new environment and are prone to falls. This makes Home Health Care in Fort Worth, Texas a better option for them since they stay in a familiar environment.
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Disorientation
Disorientation is common in people with dementia. A lack of awareness of their surroundings can make them prone to misjudging their environment and increasing their anxiety which in turn, puts them at risk for falls.
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Restlessness
Seniors with dementia may try to get out of their chair to move about and they may not have the chance to do so. Ensure that your seniors have enough physical exercise and constantly change their position. You might need the help of a Health Care Professionals in Texas if you are not strong enough to help your loved ones in doing this safely.
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Declining Senses
Dementia can quickly impact the parts of the brain that coordinate vision, hearing, and balance. These senses are important to maintain stability, and when they are compromised, senior falls can happen more frequently than expected.
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Discomfort or Pain
A number of those who have dementia cannot express their discomfort or pain verbally; however, make sure to assess the possibility by noticing some groan or sigh. If they are experiencing pain, assist them to change their position or let them take a medication.
For inquiries, please call All Care Professional Home Health, Inc. at 817-457-2688.
