Seniors are vulnerable and susceptible to different diseases like heart failure. Aside from such health-related problems, balance problems may also be an issue with this age group. Sadly, balance issues may lead to falls. Falls can result in some injuries that can be life-threatening. Because of this, family members should identify balance-related problems in seniors and learn to recognize when they need Valley Forge home care services.
Causes of Balance Problems in Seniors
Elderly people may experience balance problems for some reasons. It’s important to understand these problems to determine the right course of action that must be taken. Below are common conditions that can cause balance issues:
- Vision issues. It is common for seniors to experience vision issues. Because of this, they have a risk of balance issues. Vision-related issues that impact balance in the elderly include diabetic retinopathy, lens dislocation, glaucoma, cataracts, visual hallucinations, and macular degeneration. In addition, seniors who have abnormal blood vessels in their eyes may have balance problems.
- Migraine. This condition is characterized by serious headaches. This can impact the way people move and lead to balance problems. Migraine can develop due to stress, some foods, and weather changes.
- Labyrinthitis. This medical condition develops due to an inflamed inner ear. This usually results from an infection and other factors like allergies, flu, and colds.
- Medication side effects. With age, seniors can experience medical conditions that require medicine for management. But some medications may result in balance issues.
- Age-related hearing loss. Aging can come with increased hearing loss. This condition can impact a senior’s balance and ability to walk. Family members should communicate with their aging members and encourage them to go to a doctor if they notice something is wrong.
Signs of Balance Problems in Seniors
Elderly people who have balance problems may stumble while they walk, experience dizziness, and look unsteady. Also, they may complain of ear symptoms. Other symptoms include stooped posture, failing to a side while walking, slow reaction time, grasping for support, nausea and vomiting, falling sensation, loss of balance, and vertigo.
Helping Seniors Who Have Balance Problems
If your senior loved ones have balance problems, you can encourage them to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment. Also, you should take steps to minimize your loved one’s risk of balance issues. If you are concerned about the safety of your seniors, consider home care services for them. These include the following:
- Encourage your loved one to exercise. Exercise is a great way for the elderly who have balance problems to enhance their overall health. This helps them improve their coordination, mental health, and strength. Examples of exercises for improved balance include ta-chi, standing on one leg, stretching, and walking heel-to-toe.
- Encourage the use of assistive devices. These devices can help seniors carry out tasks they cannot do so on their own. They include mobility scooters and handrails.
- Support a healthy lifestyle. Seniors with a healthy lifestyle have a reduced risk of balance problems. A healthy lifestyle includes consuming healthy and fresh food, seeking support, avoiding alcohol, and getting regular sleep. Encourage your seniors to maintain a healthy weight, consume enough water, and take their medications as instructed by their doctors.
- Address health issues that lead to balance problems. Health conditions like dementia, hearing loss, coronary heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes can cause balance issues. You should speak with your senior loved one about their health. Also, encourage them to seek medical attention whenever they experience symptoms associated with balance problems.
- Get rid of home obstacles. If your loved one experiences balance problems at home, eliminate all obstacles like slippery falls that cause them to fall. Check the house of your loved one for things that might be on the ground. Also, make sure you clear the area of anything that your loved one does not use.
