What Should the Doctor Check if My Elderly Loved One Falls?

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If My Elderly Loved One Falls What Should the Doctor Check in Winnipeg, MB

When a senior falls, a caregiver may not realize the extent of the injury. Older adults may be reluctant to share how much pain they feel. Sometimes they might not feel severe pain until several days after they fall. After a fall, your older loved one should see a doctor, and it’s vital to ask the doctor to perform a thorough medical evaluation.

Fall Risk Assessment

A fall risk assessment is a tool with questions doctors ask seniors to pinpoint the causes and risks of falling. The assessment includes questions about daily living activities, medications, the home environment, and other concerns.

X-Rays or Other Imaging Tests

A senior who falls may deny he or she has pain or concern about the fall. If your loved one can walk without issues, the doctor may not order imaging tests. However, your loved one may be in pain but unwilling to burden healthcare providers and family members. An older adult with cognitive impairment may not remember how the fall occurred. Therefore, a family member or caregiver must advocate for the senior and ask the doctor to order X-rays or a CT scan to determine if the senior has broken bones or other injuries. Aging adults with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia tend to have a higher risk of falling. Caring for a senior with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Winnipeg families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores.

Medication Review

Too much medication or a dosage that’s too strong could contribute to a fall, especially if it makes a senior disoriented or dizzy. How an individual takes medication can be a problem when one drug interacts with another. If the healthcare provider thinks the medicine is an issue, a change or reduction in dosage might be in order.

Tests for Conditions that Can Lead to Falls

Diagnostic tests can identify conditions that contribute to falls. For example, being dehydrated can cause dizziness and weakness, resulting in a fall. Lab tests can measure kidney function and identify whether dehydration is a problem. Blood tests can identify anemia, which can cause weakness that leads to falls, and evaluating your loved one for mini-strokes is crucial because they can also cause falls. An electrocardiogram can help the doctor diagnose heart issues that contribute to falls. Bone density tests indicate whether your loved one’s bones are weak, making him or her more susceptible to fractures during a fall. An increased risk of falls is one of the many challenges seniors often encounter. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional homecare services. Winnipeg families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.

Future Fall Risks

Depending on the reason for the fall, your loved one may be at high risk for future falls. Ask the healthcare provider to suggest preventive measures to prevent falls. Seniors who experience injuries because of falls may be at risk for falling again. A fall-prevention plan that includes in-home care can reduce the risk. An in-home caregiver can help your loved one by assisting with daily living activities and removing tripping hazards such as throw rugs.  Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the many ways you can reduce your loved one’s risk of falls. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of senior care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (204) 489-6000 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.

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