Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries in senior citizens. A trusted NYC nursing home, Gold Crest Care Center, offers fall prevention tips for seniors.
BRONX, N.Y., Oct. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Gold Crest Care Center, a leading Bronx rehabilitation facility for senior citizens, urges seniors and their families to recognize the dangers of fall related injuries in senior citizens. Fall related injuries are currently ranked as the leading cause of death in those over the age of 65. As the weather changes and precipitation levels increase, Gold Crest Care Center urges families to learn and practice basic fall prevention practices. The center's board certified physicians have outlined four tips for preventing falls this season.
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Physical exercise is the leading preventative measure senior citizens can take to lower the risk of falling. Utilizing exercise to improve coordination, balance and muscle tone has been shown to drastically reduce a NYC nursing home patient's risk of falling. Additionally, mild weight bearing exercises such as walking, climbing stairs and water workouts can help slow the rate of osteoporosis related bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures in senior citizens.
Annual physical and vision examinations are crucial for the elderly. Staying up to date on annual physical exams, vision tests and other yearly examinations ensures that a patient is not at increased risk due to underlying medical concerns. If the patient uses a walker or a cane, these should be resized and custom fitted on a yearly basis. It is vital this be done by a qualified medical professional. Patients should also schedule a vision exam to ensure the best continued care and reduce the risk of sight related accidents.
NYC nursing home patients, and those living independently or with family, are advised to schedule a meeting with their pharmacist to review medications. The meeting should include an overview of the medications and dosages of prescriptions to ensure that there are no interactions. Review a schedule for taking medications. Report any problems, side effects or concerns with current dosages. Staying on top of medication regimes gives a patient's body the stability needed to remain upright and reduces fall risk significantly.
Finally, patients should review clothing choices. Seniors should wear properly fitting, sturdy shoes. Make sure all shoes come with non-skid soles. All house slippers should be replaced when stretched out or loose on the feet. The same goes for clothing. Replace all poorly fitted garments with appropriately sized options to prevent distractions that could lead to falls.
For more information on Gold Crest Care Center's facilities and staff, or to schedule a tour, please call 718.882.6400 or visit the company's website at www.goldcrestcc.com. Gold Crest Care Center can also be found on Facebook at facebook.com/GoldCrestCareCenter.