2. Keep Safe Outside
Help your elderly parent stay safe from falls when outside with these tips:
a. Use a support when outside
Canes, walking sticks, frames are all useful tools to help stay balanced and help to avoid a fall when walking outside.
b. Good shoes
Make sure that good quality, sensible shoes are worn that are comfortable and have slip-resistant soles.
3. Stay Healthy
Regular exercise, a good diet and your doctor’s advice on how best to manage medical conditions will help reduce the risk of falls.
a. Exercise regularly and eat well
Strong muscles and joints are a great first defence against falls. Regular exercise will help your parent remain strong and assist good balance. A balanced nutritional diet will help your parent remain as healthy as possible.
b. Check eyesight
Regularly check your parent’s eyesight to ensure that they have the right lenses if their eyesight is deteriorating.
c. Talk to your doctor
Talk to your doctor and seek an assessment of your elderly parent’s risk of falling. Your GP will be able to suggest a strategy for fall prevention tailored to your parent. Seek advice from your doctor on whether prescription medicine might increase the risk of falls and whether there may be alternatives that reduce the risk of falling.