When seniors fall at home, in most cases they fall in the kitchen, the bathroom, or the bedroom. Personal care at home can help your parent with activities of daily living and make sure that they are safe and supported.

Personal care at home is a specialized type of care for seniors that is focused on helping seniors do things like get out of bed safely, shower safely, and get dressed safely. Your parent will have a shoulder to lean on and an extra set of helping hands to help them keep the balance, walk steadily, and get in and out of bed without falling.

The Dangers Of Showering And Other Personal Care Tasks

For seniors, tasks like getting out of bed, or showering, can be very difficult because they involve a lot of coordinated movement, shifting bodyweight, and bending and reaching which can throw seniors off balance.

That’s why so many seniors every year end up getting hurt at home trying to shower, get dressed, or just get in or out of bed safely. Personal care at home helps seniors avoid getting hurt while they are trying to take care of their hygiene or get dressed. The most common ways that seniors fall at home include:

Slipping on Wet Bathroom Floors

Bathrooms are one of the most common places for falls. Water from the shower or sink can make the floor very slippery. A senior may step out of the shower and lose their footing on a wet tile floor.

Soap and shampoo can also make surfaces slick. Even a small puddle can cause a serious fall. Many seniors fall because they are not using non-slip mats or grab bars. Wearing socks on a wet floor makes the risk even higher. A simple slip can lead to broken bones or head injuries.

Losing Balance While Stepping Over the Tub

Stepping over the side of a bathtub takes balance and strength. Seniors may struggle to lift one leg high enough. While trying to step in or out, they can lose balance and fall backward or sideways.

This risk is greater if the person feels weak, dizzy, or tired. Holding onto a towel rack or shower curtain for support is also unsafe. These items are not designed to hold body weight. Without proper grab bars, this simple step can turn into a serious accident.

Slipping While Standing to Dress

Getting dressed often requires standing on one leg. For example, putting on pants or underwear means lifting one foot at a time. Seniors may wobble and lose balance while trying to pull clothing up.

Tight clothing can make the problem worse. If they struggle to pull on pants or step into them, they may twist or lean too far. Some seniors rush or refuse to sit down while dressing, even if sitting would be safer. A quick loss of balance can lead to a hard fall on the floor.

Tripping Over Clothing or Shoes

Clothing left on the floor is a common cause of falls. While undressing, a senior might step on pants or undergarments pooled around their ankles. This can cause them to trip and fall forward.

Shoes and slippers also play a role. Loose slippers, untied shoelaces, or walking in socks can increase the risk. If a senior tries to move too quickly while their feet are tangled in clothing, they may not be able to catch themselves in time.

Rolling Out of Bed

Some seniors fall while getting in or out of bed. Others fall because they roll too close to the edge during sleep. As people age, they may have trouble judging how close they are to the side of the bed.

Weak muscles can also make it harder to push up from a lying position. If a senior tries to sit up too quickly, they may feel dizzy and lose balance. Beds that are too high or too low make the problem worse. Without sturdy support nearby, a simple movement can end in a fall.

Standing Up Too Quickly

Another common cause of falls is standing up too fast. When a senior gets out of bed or stands after sitting to dress, their blood pressure can drop suddenly. This can cause dizziness or lightheadedness.

This condition is called orthostatic hypotension. It can make a person feel faint for a few seconds. If they try to walk right away, they may collapse or stumble. Poor lighting in the bedroom or bathroom can add to the danger, especially at night.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Personal Care at Home in Marina Del Ray, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Our number is 323-244-4789.