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Take These Measures to Keep Your Mom Out of the Hospital
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September 24, 2018Take These Measures to Keep Your Mom Out of the Hospital
Between 2013 and 2017, preventable hospitalizations declined by 25 percent. America’s Health Rankings also found that hospitalizations for hip fractures are down by 21 percent. That’s great news for seniors who want to age at home. Keeping your mom out of the hospital all starts with a few proactive measures.
Home Care West Hills CA – Take These Measures to Keep Your Mom Out of the Hospital
Look Over the Home for Hazards That Could Cause a Fall
Check your mom’s home for common hazards that lead to falls. The key areas are stairs, bathrooms, entryways, living rooms, and kitchens.
Start by checking out the lighting. If there are areas where the lighting doesn’t illuminate areas, your mom could trip or kick something and fall. Look at the areas at night, too. On the way to the bathroom, is the lighting bright enough? If not, add nightlights or brighter LED bulbs to brighten the area.
Look at the flooring. Some flooring can be slippery. If your mom has decorative rugs, they can slide around on wood, tile, or laminate flooring. They need to have rubberized backing. When she’s walking around, slippers with non-slip soles are important. Cracked or uneven tiles should also be addressed.
In the kitchen, your mom may be tempted to use a bar stool to reach items in upper cabinets. She needs a stepladder that has a rail to hold for balance. You can also move frequently used items to the counter or lower cabinets.
Finally, check out the bathroom. There should be grab bars near the toilet and inside and outside the tub or shower stall. If not, install them. Put a non-slip shower mat on the shower or tub floor to prevent slipping on a soapy, wet surface. Non-slip bath mats are a good idea to have in place when your mom steps out of the tub or shower.
Make Sure Your Mom Gets the Right Nutrients
Food insecurity increased by 16 percent between 2013 and 2017. If your mom struggles with the current cost of living, she may be cutting corners by purchasing fewer groceries or cheaper, processed foods in place of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
If your mom is forced to choose between groceries or medical expenses, it’s time to talk to her doctor. There may be a more affordable generic medication that works just as well. You can also talk to the area’s Agency on Aging to see if your mom qualifies for assistance through programs like SNAP.
Get Caught Up on Medical Exams and Vaccinations
Talk to your mom’s doctor and dentist to see if she’s gone for a recent exam. If not, schedule an appointment. During that appointment, you can see if she has missed any treatments, procedures, or vaccinations.
If you don’t have time to take her to medical appointments, home care providers can. Home care services include transportation, appointment scheduling, meal preparation, and medication reminders. That’s just a start. Call our home care agency near you to discover other ways home care professionals can help your mom stay safe at home.
Sources: https://www.americashealthrankings.org/learn/reports/2017-senior-report/findings-national-findings
