Every year, more than 14 million seniors are injured by falls. That’s nearly 1 in 4 seniors. There are a lot of ways that seniors can fall at home, but one of the most common can be prevented by having personal care at home services.
That’s because personal care at home helps seniors safely get dressed and undressed, so they don’t fall. The potential for falls and injuries while getting dressed or undressed is much higher than most people realize.
If you can easily lift your foot to put on socks, or raise your arms to get a shirt over your head, or you don’t get dizzy trying to balance on one foot to put pants on, you may not realize how difficult getting dressed or undressed can be for seniors.
Seniors can struggle to put on compression stockings, undergarments, and shirts or clothing that buttons or zips. Having a personal care at home provider there to help them balance, button buttons, zip up zippers, and help them put on socks and shoes can keep your parent safe at home while protecting their dignity.
Why Getting Dressed Can Be So Dangerous For Seniors
Some of the common reasons why seniors may find it very difficult to safely get dressed or undressed include:
Dizziness from medication side effects
Many older adults take medications that can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or sudden drops in blood pressure.
This can affect your parent when they are standing up, bending down, or changing positions quickly. For example, leaning over to put on pants or standing on one foot to step into clothing can trigger a wave of dizziness. If your parent has a wave of dizziness and falls, they may get seriously hurt.
Poor balance and coordination
Balance naturally declines with age, but it can also be affected by inner ear issues, neurological conditions, or reduced physical activity.
Dressing requires shifting weight, standing on one leg, and moving in tight or awkward positions. Putting on underwear, pants, or shoes often means briefly losing a stable stance. Without strong balance, even a small wobble can turn into a fall.
With personal care at home, a care provider will be there to help your parent stay steady on their feet while getting dressed or undressed so they don’t fall.
Arthritis and joint stiffness
Arthritis can make everyday movements painful and limited. Stiff hips, knees, shoulders, or fingers can make it hard to bend, reach, or grip clothing.
For example, pulling a shirt over the head or reaching behind to adjust clothing can strain joints. Pain may cause hesitation or sudden movements, both of which increase the risk of losing balance.
Reduced hand strength and dexterity
Fine motor skills often decline with age, making it harder to manage buttons, zippers, and tight fabrics. Something like putting on compression socks can be especially difficult for seniors because they require both strength and grip to pull up properly.
If compression socks or stockings aren’t positioned properly they can cause big circulation problems and actually hurt your parent’s health. If your parent wears compression garments, a personal care at home caregiver can make sure they are always properly positioned to help your parent, not hurt them.
Muscle weakness and fatigue
Muscle strength, particularly in the legs and core, plays a big role in stability. Weak muscles make it harder to stand steadily, rise from a seated position, or maintain balance while moving.
Dressing can be surprisingly tiring, especially first thing in the morning or at the end of the day. Fatigue reduces control and awareness, making slips and missteps more likely. Even lifting a leg to step into pants can be challenging for seniors with muscle weakness or who are often fatigued.
Limited flexibility and range of motion
Tight muscles and reduced flexibility can make it difficult to bend down, reach the feet, or twist the body. Tasks like putting on socks, fastening shoes, or adjusting clothing around the back may require a level of movement that is no longer easy or safe.
If you or someone you know needs Personal Care at Home in St. Cloud, MN, contact Adara Home Health. We provide quality and affordable home care services for many fragile or senior members in the communities we serve. Call us at (888) 525-7742 for more information.
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