Is Your Elderly Parent at Increased Risk for a Hip Fracture?

Fall risk is one of the most serious challenges facing elderly adults. Each year throughout the United States millions of adults suffer falls, and a large percentage of these will experience a severe injury such as a hip fracture as a result. Hip fractures can also result from other problems, such as an auto accident impact. More than 300,000 people in the country experienced a hip fracture each year, with the vast majority of them being over the age of 65.

Elder Care Rolling Hills CA – Is Your Elderly Parent at Increased Risk for a Hip Fracture?

While it takes tremendous force to cause a hip fracture in a younger adult, seemingly minor incidents can result in this type of serious injury for a senior. As a family caregiver, it is important to recognize the individual risk your parent might be facing so you can make modifications to their care and lifestyle to help protect them from the possibility of a hip fracture.

Some factors that increase the risk for hip fractures in elderly adults include:

• Mobility issues that make your parent more likely to suffer a fall
• Not eating a well-balanced diet, which can mean they don’t get the nutrients they need to keep their bones healthy
• Being underweight, especially if they have been underweight for a large portion of their life
• Osteoporosis or other conditions that compromise bone density and strength
• Living a sedentary lifestyle, or not getting enough exercise on a regular basis
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Use of tobacco, particularly smoking

If your elder is at increased risk of suffering a hip fracture, talk to their doctor about ways you can help to protect them from such an injury. Making meaningful modifications to their home environment can help reduce the risk of falls, and utilizing assistance such as mobility support from an elder care provider can help your parent to stay active while keeping them safer. Encourage good lifestyle choices including eating a well-balanced diet, staying active, and making good safety choices to further reduce their risk and to prevent injury.

Elder care can be a great way to help your parent live an active and fulfilling life while also protecting them from the risks of injuries such as hip fractures. Many elderly adults struggle with mobility problems such as balance problems, loss of flexibility and range of motion, dizziness, muscle weakness, and more. This can greatly increase the risk of falls and serious injuries. An in-home elder care services provider can offer physical support that allows your parent to navigate their home and other areas more confidently, and take on tasks such as bathing, taking care of their home, and running errands more independently and more safely.

Source:  https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/what-happens-when-you-have-a-hip-fracture#1

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Rolling Hills CA, please contact the caring staff at 1Heart Care Services today.