Plan Ahead for Slips and Falls: How to Create a Communication Plan for Fallen Seniors

Slipping and falling is a major dangers for seniors, many of whom have conditions that put them at risk of serious injury if this happens. As a caretaker, you naturally want to prevent this from happening if possible. Acting as if it could never happen, though, is a danger in and of itself. To better plan ahead for slips and falls, here's how to create a communication plan for fallen seniors.

Communication Plan for Fallen Seniors

Preparing

Preparing for slipping and falling will ensure that everyone can appropriately respond once it happens. Both planning ahead and doing some simple things to safeguard a senior will reduce the risk of injury and more effectively handle it if injuries happen. Here's what can be done:

Eliminate Risk Factors

To best prevent slips and falls, eliminate risk factors around the home. Broken or uneven pavement and scattered objects on the floor are everyday hazards that need to be dealt with. When it gets cold, shoveling the driveway and spreading salt will prevent the buildup of slippery ice. Additionally, having railings and other handholds in ample supply goes a long way in helping seniors get around and stay stable.

Discuss a Plan

Going into things without a plan is a recipe for disaster. Instead, it's smart to sit down with relevant people (the senior, family, other caretakers, etc.) and work out a plan on what to do if they slip and fall. If everyone can stick to this plan, the risk of major injury goes down significantly, and the amount of time between a fall and treatment will be reduced.

Responding in the Moment

If a slip and fall happen, it's important to do things quickly and correctly. Here are some of the steps to take when this happens:

Call for Help

Getting help as quickly as possible is key to preventing lasting injuries. If a senior has a caretaker nearby, this isn't a difficult thing to do. However, if they're on their own at the time, keeping a medical alert necklace or bracelet on hand can provide a lifeline.

Get Treatment

Falling carries a risk of injury, so it's necessary to be looked at by a doctor after it happens. Once a senior has gotten help, heads to the ER for an examination. Even if they feel fine in the moment, falls can leave minor injuries that develop into more major injuries if untreated. Don't take risks with anyone's health.

Alert Others

After a fall, it's important to keep everyone in the loop. While a senior is recovering, a caretaker should alert others in their circle that they've been hurt.

Get Help From Senior Helpers Erie

If you're a senior's caretaker and feel like you might need some assistance from time to time, Senior Helpers Erie is here for you. As rewarding as being a caretaker is, it comes with a lot of responsibility and many duties to fulfill. Senior Helpers can provide comprehensive in-home care to seniors in Erie, Warren, and the surrounding area to pick up the slack. Contact us today to learn more.