Your Mom Fell. How Do You Help Her Become Confident Again?
Anxiety and Depression Association of America says that 10 percent of seniors fear falling more than robbery or excessive debt. Around 3 percent of senior citizens refuse to go outside or leave their yard due to that fear.
Elder Care in Avon IN: Senior Falls Tips
Studies find that elderly men and women who have fallen and are now scared have a 56 percent chance of falling again within a year. If your mom has fallen, it’s time to help her regain her confidence.
Explore Why She Fell and Fix It
-Find out why your mom fell. If she slipped coming out of a bathtub or shower, grab bars and non-slip mats can help her. If she slipped on a kitchen mat, remove it. If she tripped on the stairs, better lighting and handrails can help.
-What if she fell because of joint pain? Arthritis pain and weakening muscles often affect balance and stamina. If that’s the cause of her fall, look into beginner classes in Tai Chi or Yoga that can help her strengthen muscles. Seeing a physical therapist may also help her with balance and muscle strength.
-The side effects of medications may cause dizziness or drowsiness that leads to a fall. If possible, have her take her medications at night before going to sleep. If that doesn’t work, talk to her doctor about changing her medications to avoid the side effects that led to the fall.
Improve Home Safety
-Go through her home and pinpoint the trouble areas where falls may occur. The bathroom is just one area. In the kitchen, move her frequently used small appliances like a coffeemaker and toaster to the counter. Put others on top shelves. Invest in a stepladder than has handles she can hold while using it.
-Make sure the lighting in all of her rooms is bright enough. You don’t want her tripping on a pet while trying to get to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Motion-sensing night lights will help illuminate obstacles.
-Avoid furniture that is hard to get out of. If she has a low, soft sofa, replace it with one that is higher and firm. Arms on the sofa should be easy to hold onto for support while standing and sitting.
Join Her if You Can
If you can, join your mom on walks and physical activity. Having someone to hold onto while walking is often helpful at getting a senior who has fallen once to remain active.
If your work prevents you from joining her, explore the home care services available in her area. A call to a home care agency can help you pinpoint the best services to help your mom with her fear of falling again.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elder Care in Avon, IN, please call the caring staff at Home Services Unlimited. Serving Greater Indianapolis Area. Call for Immediate Info & Assistance: (317) 471-0760
Sources:
Adaa.org
As a practicing Registered Nurse, Etelka was keenly aware of a void in quality patient care that could be provided in the home. She embarked upon a journey to develop a home health care agency that would exceed all expectations and become a trusted partner to physicians and patients.
A Distinguished Career From Nurse to Director of Nursing to President of Home Services Unlimited
Etelka’s distinguished career followed a logical progression to her position as President of Home Services Unlimited. She graduated as a nurse practitioner with a Bachelor of Nursing (RN) in 1972 from Meshgorya University in the Ukraine, close to where she lived with her family. She married her husband Phil in 1973 and decided in 1977 that they would relocate to the United States to be closer to family and to come to this land of opportunity. With an eagerness to continue her budding career, Etelka sat for and passed her Boards in the U.S. in 1979.
A Love and Talent for Working with the Elderly
Etelka began her nursing career in the U.S. at Colonial Crest, now part of Golden Living, where she was the In-service Coordinator, the Director of Training and Education and Director of Nursing, a position she occupied for several years.
With a group of partners, she co-founded Adept Corporation, which operated group homes for the mentally challenged. The business was successful and in 1996, Etelka sold her share to return to her roots, caring for the elderly.
In January of 1997, Etelka opened Home Services Unlimited as a fully licensed business to provide home health care. In her quest to learn to do better for her patients, she had already obtained a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) in May of 1990 from the College of St. Francis. As President of Home Services Unlimited, Inc., Etelka guides the trusted, experienced care model Home Services Unlimited uses to continue providing excellent home health care.
Giving Back to the Community of Indianapolis
Volunteering for community services is a high priority for Etelka. Her memberships include the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Executive Women in Health Care and the Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care, where she is a member of the Board of Directors.
Etelka has also served on the Board of Directors with Hooverwood Home, a highly regarded geriatric facility, since 1997 and as the President for 2005-2006. Through her community work, she has received several awards and accolades, including the Nora McFarland award in 2002, from the Indiana Association of Home and Hospice Care.
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