According to CDC data cited by MarketWatch, over 25% of seniors 65+ fall each year, with each fall doubling their risk of future falls. In 2023 alone, these falls contributed to more than 40,000 deaths among older adults.
Falls create a significant financial strain due to medical treatments and also bring profound physical and emotional challenges. That's why communities like Terrabella Thornblade in Greer, SC, have implemented comprehensive measures to ensure proper mobility support for aging adults.
We provide practical fall prevention tips to help residents maintain comfort and safety in their daily lives. Discover various tips that support assisted living fall protection, ensuring senior safety in Greer, SC.
A lack of physical activity leads to gradual muscle weakness and loss of strength. This makes it difficult for seniors to stand, walk, or recover from a stumble.
Regular light to moderate physical activities enhance reflexes, balance, and coordination. They also stabilize the muscles, maintain bone density, and improve joint flexibility.
Fall prevention exercises that can support senior safety in Greer, SC, include:
Adequate sleep strengthens the body's balance and fine motor control, reducing the likelihood of missteps and possible falls. It also helps keep seniors' reflexes sharp, making it easier to react quickly to sudden changes, such as uneven flooring.
Restful sleep maintains stable energy levels throughout the day, reducing dizziness and fatigue that increase fall risk. Adequate sleep supports seniors' memory care safety by:
Foods rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D help maintain muscle mass and bone density. These nutrients minimize the risk of frailty and weak bones, both of which can lead to falls in older adults.
Having stronger bones lowers the risk of fractures when a fall occurs. Additional ways healthy foods reduce the risk of falls in seniors include:
At TerraBella Thornblade, our exclusive Sensations Dining program offers healthy, chef-prepared meals. If you or your aging loved one has stability and mobility issues, consider foods like:
Proper footwear supports balance, stability, and confidence with every step. Shoes with non-slip soles provide a steady grip on polished floors, carpet, or outdoor walkways. They prevent slips caused by sudden changes in flooring.
The right footwear for seniors also provides proper arch and ankle support. This helps prevent the feet from sliding inside the shoe, reducing the risk of tripping.
Avoid shoes that are too loose or too tight, as they increase the risk of stumbling. Lightweight and comfortable shoes make it easy for seniors to move effortlessly and safely.
Assisted living communities provide various safety features, including:
For seniors living at home, installing these features can be one of the more costly aging-in-place strategies. Moving to senior living lets you enjoy these features without the added expenses that could strain your finances.
Slip-resistant flooring allows seniors to walk with greater stability in areas prone to spills, such as dining rooms and bathrooms. Handrails and grab bars in bathrooms and hallways help seniors navigate uneven surfaces and move safely from sitting to standing.
Well-lit rooms and common areas improve visibility and help prevent nighttime falls. Accessible bathroom designs help residents maintain independence while staying safe.
A significant number of falls in older adults result from pain, fatigue, or weakness in the legs. Mobility aids help redistribute body weight, allowing for easier and safer movement with less strain.
Assistive devices also help older adults maintain stability and balance when walking. Fear of falling often makes older adults less active, which weakens muscles and reduces bone density.
The right assistive device builds confidence and promotes safe, steady movement. As a senior, consider:
Old age comes with vision changes, such as blurry vision or reduced depth perception. Many older adults experience hearing loss, which limits awareness of sounds like footsteps, traffic, or nearby people.
Regular exams can help catch these issues early, preventing severe vision or hearing loss. Early treatment of vision and hearing loss can prevent sensory overload, which often causes confusion, slower reactions, and accidental missteps.
Clutter blocks walkways, forcing older adults into awkward steps that raise the risk of tripping or falling. They can also act as hidden traps on the floor.
Cluttered spaces hinder seniors from safely using mobility aids. They force them into unsafe movements that lead to falls.
Scattered items can make it difficult for older adults, especially those with vision impairments, to see tripping hazards. Clutter in senior living spaces includes:
The skilled staff at Terrabella Thornblade provides exceptional housekeeping and maintenance services. These services include regular tidying, dusting, and decluttering of rooms to keep them safe and clear.
The right fall prevention tips support safe, peaceful, and independent living. From using mobility aids and staying active to maintaining a balanced diet, every step helps seniors live vibrantly.
At Terrabella Thornblade, fall prevention is a caring philosophy woven into every detail. Our comprehensive amenities include exclusive programs with restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, and weekly activities like morning stretching, all designed to reduce fall risk.
Eligible military veterans receive a $1,000 one-time discount on their second month's rent through our benefits program. Schedule a tour today to see how we offer mobility support.