Elderly care services, offered by Senior Helpers, aim to ensure seniors maintain their autonomy and safety.
In the heart of Illinois, the story of 85-year-old Grace Hensley serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and independence for seniors. Recently, Grace experienced a fall in her kitchen, leaving her with a dented wall and four staples in her head.
Grace, who uses a walker but lives and functions independently, left her family concerned about her well-being. However, Grace's resilience shone through as she recovered from her fall.
To help prevent such incidents in the future, several safety adjustments were made to Grace's condo. Pauline Johnson, a caregiver from Senior Helpers, played a significant role in these changes.
Johnson, who helps seniors stay safe at home, identified potential hazards such as dangling cords, loose rugs, and a sharp-edged coffee table. The coffee table was promptly replaced with an ottoman featuring soft cushion corners, and the loose rug in the bathroom was removed.
Moreover, the hallway runner was fixed with additional adhesive to prevent it from losing its grip. A shower handle was installed in Grace's bathroom for easier access, and her slippers were checked for potential slip hazards.
Johnson also advised the installation of an automatic nightlight to avoid fumbling with switches in the dark. These simple yet effective changes have been well-received by Grace, who found them helpful and non-intrusive.
The incident serves as a timely reminder that September is recognised as Fall Prevention Awareness Month. Every year, one in four seniors experiences a fall, potentially resulting in injury or death.
In an effort to help seniors assess their fall risk, the National Council on Aging offers a free fall risk assessment on its website. By taking this assessment, seniors can identify potential hazards in their homes and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Grace's story underscores the importance of safety for seniors, and the role caregivers like Pauline Johnson play in helping them maintain their independence. As we continue to age, it's crucial to prioritise safety and make simple yet effective adjustments to our living spaces.
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