We all accept that as we get older life gets that little bit harder, eyesight deteriorates, hearing loss is more common as is being less steady on our feet. For these reasons falls in the over 65s are unfortunately an all-too-common occurrence that can have serious repercussions. It is a staggering fact that 30% of those aged over 65 suffer a fall at least once a year. Falls in the elderly can lead to more serious issues with mobility, and in some cases can require hospital treatment. We are not just talking about falls that happen outside the home as a result of uneven pavements, these are also falls that occur in the familiar surroundings of the home.
In fact, according to a survey that was commissioned by Age UK, falling is the top concern that many elderly people have. Of the number surveyed, they found that 36% (approximately 4.3 million) older people considered this to be their number one concern. Falls in the elderly can all to often result in hip fractures, not only can this have serious health implications for this age group but many of these falls are preventable. The research further noted that falls are, in fact, the most common cause of deaths as a result of injury in those over the age of 75 – a number that has increased significantly over the course of the last decade.
More bad news
The worrying statistics don’t end there. In the over 80s, 50% fall at least once a year. With more and more elderly people looking to retain their independence for as long as possible it is easy to see the correlation between the increase in the number of falls and the decrease in those who want to live in a residential care home. Fortunately, there is a solution.
The solution
For many elderly people living on their own, the worry of falling is a constant one. However, there is a care option that reduces the risk of accidents whilst allowing an elderly person to remain living in their own home and to retain as much of their independence as possible. The solution is a trained live-in carer.
The live-in care model is already a well proven alternative to a care home when it comes to effective and safe care in the UK. When an older person is cared for in their own home by a professional carer, they are healthier and safer. We would also argue that they are also happier, but then we have seen first-hand the positive impact that a live-in care has on the lives of so many of our clients.
A professional carer is well placed to help an elderly person to keep active and ensure that there are no unexpected trip hazards in the home. They will help with getting in and out of bed, getting to the bathroom and showering, and walking up and down stairs. A live-in carer is an extra pair of eyes and a helping hand both inside the home and outside, tailoring the care given to the needs of the individual person – and helping keep this serious threat at bay.