Reducing Fall Risks For the Elderly

Falls...one of the scariest incidents that can happen to the elderly, and one of the most dangerous. But let's face it, falling is bad for all of us, no matter what age we are. We've all taken a nasty tumble at least once, and maybe got by with just a bruise. Or maybe we had a cracked bone or a concussion. 

In the elderly, even a slight fall can cause serious injuries. It can also be terrifying, especially if they have to wait a long time for help to appear. 

Focusing on safety to prevent falls won't just lower the risk of physical injuries. It can help your elderly loved have peace of mind too. 

Not all falls are going to have a big, obvious cause. And not all risks can be removed. I know someone who sneezed while walking, stumbled, and just couldn't right themselves before falling. Obviously a caregiver, no matter how vigilant, can't prevent a rare quirky incident like that!

However there are a many common risks (and some not so common) that can be removed or minimalized as much as possible. Sometimes it is as simple as moving certain items to other rooms. Other times it might mean installing hand rails. 

Ice and snow of course are two of the greatest hazards. Wet porches, steps, walkways and floors can also be dangerous. You can't prevent snow or rain, but you know to dry up spills, and clear ice and snow from senior's porches and driveways. 

How much safety prevention and preparation you do inside the house will depend on your loved one's needs and limitations. 

So let's take a look at some ways to prevent falls, stumbles and other risky mishaps. 

7 Spring Wall Art Ideas for Nursing Home Rooms

Spring is almost here! That means early flowers are blooming, songbirds are reappearing, butterflies are starting to flutter, and trees are beginning to bud out.

While most of us can open our windows to the fresh breezes and go outside for a walk in nature, those who live in nursing homes probably cannot.

If you have a loved one who is in a nursing home, and you've spoken to the staff  about decorating their room, spring is an excellent time to change out some of the decor. For those who are bedbound or otherwise unable to go outdoors, there may be little indication of seasonal changes in their environment. Room windows are often draped, and even large, glass lobby doors might not provide scenic nature views. (Usually, these simply overlook parking lots and roads.)

So why not bring a little spring indoors for your elderly loved one? A photo or print may never be as good as the real thing, but they can help to cheer the room and provide a new point of view.



Here are some pretty options featuring nature at its Spring finest:

Last Minute Gift Ideas for the Elderly--Themed Gift Baskets

So it's almost Christmas, and you still need a gift for that special senior on your shopping list. Or maybe you just heard that an elderly neighbor in the community is in need of a little holiday cheer.

It's not always easy to buy for the elderly. They often won't say what they really want, and will claim to have everything they need. That doesn't mean they won't appreciate a thoughtful gift!

One of the easiest last-minute gift ideas is a gift basket. There are so many different ways to fill one, and they always look lovely. While you can fill them with just about anything, some of the nicest baskets are ones that are "themed"--meaning all the stuff inside (and sometimes the container too) go together.

20 Great Gift Ideas for Senior Citizens

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Every year I try to compile helpful gift guides for anyone struggling to buy gifts for the elderly. This year's list has plenty of variety.

Whether you are shopping for a close relative or taking an anonymous gift by a nursing home, this list will help give you some inspiration.



But first...

Things to remember when shopping for the elderly:

1. Know Their Age and Generation

Please please don't make the mistake of stereotyping all seniors as having lived through or remember the Depression era. Time moves on, and so do generations.

So if you are choosing nostalgic themed gifts, keep ages and dates in mind. The memories and nostalgia of someone who was a teen in the 50's (think Grease!) will be a lot different than someone who was a teen or young adult in the 30's.

2. Keep General Safety in Mind

Some gifts may be really "neat", but are they appropriate for every circumstance? Some examples of things to consider include:

• Not gifting items that can create tripping hazards (cute rugs, stools, floor baskets, etc.) to someone who has low or poor vision.

• Not giving certain food items to those on a medically restricted diet.

• Not giving items that can cause burns (candles, wax burners, etc.) to someone with cognitive issues or dementia.

3. Everyone is Different!

There is no set list of gifts that are perfect for every elder. Take individuality, living circumstances, personal preferences, health, etc. into account. Find out what they like: do they prefer practical items, or do they like fun stuff? Do they collect anything? What do they like to read or watch on tv? What music do they like? Do they like puzzles or games? What is their favorite color? Do they have hobbies?

Don't assume these things...try to find out. You might be really surprised!
Every gift is better with a little personalization. So even if you are giving something practical like a potholder or flashlight--take the time to find it in their favorite color.

Now, on to the gift ideas: 

17 Cool and Trendy Gift Ideas for Senior Citizens

What should you buy an elderly loved one for Christmas? Which holiday gifts are most appropriate for senior citizens? What would your grandmother like in her stocking this year?

The possibilities are endless!

Remember, not all "elderly" may be as old as you think they are. When we hear the word "elder" or "senior citizen"  we often think of "the Grandma's raised during the Great Depression".  But just think! People who are close to retirement age this year were the teenagers of the 60's (and early 70's)! 

And if your loved one has reached the amazing age of 75, (three quarters of a century!), or close,  then they were the teens of the 50's...

They sort of invented "cool".

I always try to bring you some new perspectives into caregiving and caring for the elderly. I've done more traditional gift guides, (you can find the links at the end of this article) but you can (and should) think outside the box sometimes when buying for your aging relatives, friends and neighbors. 

Sure, a person can probably always use another pair of fuzzy socks and some hand cream, and you should always pick gifts that are safe for a person's health conditions, but why not glam up your gift giving this year with some trendier, cooler, presents too?

Here are some fresh gift ideas, from prettier versions of practical gifts, to things that are just plain modern and fun.

Unique Gift Idea for the Elderly: Organizing a Senior's Home for Efficiency and Independence

It's almost the holiday season, and every year I hear people asking:

"What on earth can I possibly get for the aging loved one on my gift list? What do they really need?" 

I've written a couple of posts on gift buying for the elderly, but for this post, I thought I would focus on something besides "just a gift".


I focused here on gifts to buy the elderly in nursing homes, and this post on what NOT to take as a gift to a nursing home. 

So now I want to talk about a gift idea for the senior citizen who still lives in their own home. 

What's the most amazing gift you can give to an elderly loved one who is aging in place? How about helping them live as independently as possible by organizing their living space?

Houseplants for the Elderly--Practical Gift Ideas for Seniors

6 Houseplants for the Elderly

Having a houseplant (or two, or three) is healthy for every human being. They purify the air and provide emotional and visual gratification. So why wouldn't the elderly benefit from some live greenery as well?


Actually, caring for a plant can help elders have a sense of purpose. For those who have spent their lives caring for a spouse, children pets, etc. and who are now alone, a plant can still feed those nurturing instincts without requiring too much expense or physical exertion.

Someone who spent a lifetime gardening outdoors, but can no longer do so, may still need that connection to nature. Making things grow and thrive is rewarding, and having the plants in the house to see all the time can be a mood booster. 


Here are few plants that make great gifts for seniors, and some additional tips for making sure you give a plant that is an enjoyable, healthy gift:

How to Win An Elderly Person's Trust--Tips from and Elder Companion (Guest Post)

Sometimes the elderly have a reputation for being a bit irritable. This trait can manifest itself quite strongly when seniors are placed in the hands of new caregivers, companions or medical staff. 

Care providers may face a tough first week (or longer) being met with distrust, dislike, and ill-temper from their new patients. So, how do you break the ice and make friends with the seniors you've come to help? 

Today's guest post talks about just that. Leah has worked with seniors for over 20 years, as a home health worker, nursing assistant, and personal companion. She gives her best tips on winning the trust of the elderly below: 

What Caregivers Should Know About UTI's In the Elderly

UTI's can be deadly for senior citizens. Caregivers should be aware of the signs and symptoms. 

Urinary tract infections, also called UTI's, in the elderly are bad news.  For the average person, a bladder/kidney infection can be nothing more than a brief nuisance, or it can cause major discomfort and require medicine and rest.


For the elderly, a UTI is an emergency that requires immediate treatment. The elderly are at higher risks of developing UTI's, but don't exhibit the same symptoms as younger sufferers. Because of the apparent lack of signs and symptoms, the entire body can be affected before an infection is even suspected and diagnosed.


Here are some things caregivers should know about UTI's, and how they exhibit themselves in seniors.

Caregiver Respite for Peace of Mind (Guest Post)

Respite care for caregivers can provide peace of mind.
Photo courtesy of author

Caregiver respite is the topic of today's guest post, and its a very important subject. Not enough caregivers take time to care for themselves. The result is a struggling caregiver who is spread too thin to take care of any of his or her responsibilities safely and efficiently. 

Jacqueline Hatch of Seniorly.com shares some options for overworked caregivers below: