How to Reduce the Risk of Hip Fractures in the Elderly

Hip fractures are one of the most common injuries among the elderly, and it can be difficult for a senior to recover from this type of injury. If your loved one has had a hip fracture, he or she may require assistance to complete daily tasks. If you are the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality elderly care, Dayton Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
While the bones weaken with age, certain precautions can be taken to reduce your loved one’s risk of fracturing his or her hip. 

Get Rid of Tripping Hazards

Most broken hips occur after a senior trips over an item and falls down. Remove rugs, electrical cords, pet food dishes, and small ottomans from major walkways. Add night lights in bathrooms and bedrooms to prevent falls if your loved one gets up in the middle of the night. If possible, consider adding lighting strips along stairs to further reduce tripping.

Provide Adequate Nutrition

Seniors break bones easily because they lose bone density as they age. Provide your elderly loved one with plenty of calcium-rich foods to strengthen the bones. Vitamin D is also important because it helps the body absorb and use calcium properly. Doctors recommend everyone over the age of 50 should get at least 600 international units of vitamin D and 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day.

Purchase a Walking Aid

A senior may benefit from assistance in walking even if he or she is too proud to admit it. A walker or a cane can help your loved one maintain balance. These assistive devices are usually affordable and can prevent broken hips. 

Have Eyes Examined Regularly

Seniors often trip or fall because of bad eyesight. Vision can deteriorate rapidly in the senior years, which can lead to an out-of-date eyeglass prescription. Take your loved one to an eye doctor at least once a year to reduce his or her risk of tripping over objects that are difficult to see.

Be Cautious of Mind-Altering Substances

Anything that can make a senior dizzy or unsteady is a bad idea when he or she is at risk for hip fractures. While excessive alcohol can be problematic, even certain medications can be bad for balance. Read about the side effects of any medication your loved one is taking to make sure it does not cause difficulty walking.

Encourage Bone-Strengthening Exercises

Any exercise that puts weight on the bones can help the body maintain bone density in old age. Weight lifting is particularly useful for maintaining bone density, but even gentle walks can prevent rapid bone density loss. Exercise also helps prevent broken bones because it increases balance and creates muscles that cushion and protect bones during falls.
If your loved one has had a hip fracture or another medical condition, he or she may require assistance on a daily basis. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in home care Dayton, OH, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.
A trained caregiver from Home Care Assistance can provide comprehensive care for an elderly person who has a serious condition such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Seniors with Alzheimer’s have much to gain when their families opt for professional Alzheimer’s home care. Dayton, OH, families can rely on compassionate and dedicated caregivers to help their elderly loved ones manage the various challenges of Alzheimer’s disease so they can enjoy a higher quality of life. To find out more about the types of home care services we offer, call [hca_phone] and request a consultation.