Posts By: Tim

Everyone should have the right to thrive and live gracefully from the comfort of their own home. As years progress, this seemingly simple desire can become harder and harder to maintain as a daily reality. Personal caregivers are professionals dedicated to helping people who face limitations arising due to age or ability. 

Personal caregiving is more than a profession — it’s a calling. It takes a remarkable person to devote oneself to others so that they can live their life more fully. If you’re interested in improving the physical, mental and emotional outlook of those in need, read on to learn about a personal care assistant’s job description.

What Is a Personal Caregiver?

Simply put, a personal caregiver is an individual trained to assist others with activities of daily living (ADLs). Often, caregivers work with older adults who face limitations due to their age. However, personal care assistants may also work with younger clients who need support due to a physical or mental disability. 

Caregivers have the skills to offer direct physical support to clients and often work with a care manager who helps tailor the caregiver’s services to meet an individual’s goals and needs. The purpose is to help clients feel comfortable and safe in their own homes. 

Personal caregivers are known by many titles, including:

• Personal care assistants
• Personal care attendants
• Private caregivers
• Personal care aides

There are many types of at-home care services available to older adults who wish to age in place, including home companions. Personal caregivers offer more hands-on services than home companions. Companion care focuses on keeping clients company and offering general support. Personal caregiving is more active and may involve mobility support or medication management. Caregiving also differs from home health services, which provide professional medical assistance.

A Personal Caregiver’s Daily Duties

A personal caregiver is there to help with the client’s day-to-day needs, including managing the household and helping older adults with their everyday routines. They may also assist clients with other activities, such as running errands. Based on their client’s needs and goals, personal caregivers may provide any or all of the following:

• Mobility assistance
• Companionship
• Facilitating social interactions
• Meal preparation
• Light housework
• Transportation
• Personal hygiene
• Medication management

How to Become a Personal Caregiver

The entry-level educational requirement for personal caregivers is a high school degree. Many companies facilitate first aid and CPR certification as part of their employee training programs. Private caregivers undergo intense scrutiny, including a background check and workplace physical to ensure they can handle the more physical aspects of the job, such as mobility assistance. 

Personal caregivers make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families — especially in difficult moments. As such, it takes more than a certain level of education to be an effective caregiver. Character traits a personal caregiver should possess include:

• Patience working with others who need support.
• Sufficient empathy to assess a client’s mood or emotional state.
• Strong communication skills to help understand a client’s needs and work with families.
• The ability to be comfortable working in someone else’s home.

How Much Does a Personal Care Attendant Make?

Personal caregiving is a highly fulfilling career with lots of opportunities for advancement. However, pay for private care attendants varies from state to state. Salaries also depend on skill level, years of experience, schedule and many other factors. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, the need for qualified personal caregivers will continue to rise — elevating the level of pay qualified individuals can expect. 

At Corewood Care, we strive to reward our caregivers for the conscientious care they provide our clients. Our packages include competitive pay, benefits such as healthcare and a 401k, and even flexible schedules based on a caregiver’s preferences. 

Corewood Care: Bringing the Highest-Quality Care to Our Clients

Corewood Care continues to maintain the highest standards when hiring personal caregivers. The relationship between clients and caregivers requires a high level of trust. Our multidisciplinary team is uniquely positioned to manage our clients’ care with the utmost respect and decorum. 

We are always looking for qualified people who want to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Learn more about this life-changing profession and explore careers at Corewood. Or, if you would like to learn more about our personal care services, contact us to schedule a free assessment. 

The importance of home cannot be overstated. Yet, for many older adults who struggle with health or mobility issues, they are faced with a difficult choice — leave home for a community where assistance is available or stay and risk their safety. Home care services allow older adults to age in place with professional help and dedicated support.

Though their benefits are undeniable, family caregivers often find themselves wondering how to pay for home care services. If someone in your life could benefit from having an at-home caregiver, explore our frequently asked questions about coverage and payment for home care services to learn more. 

How Does Billing Work for Home Care Services?

Cost and billing for home care depend on a wide variety of factors, with location being the most significant. Costs can vary widely between states and even areas within the same state. You will also need to consider the level of care required and potential insurance coverage.

What Does Home Care Cost?

The total cost of having a professional personal caregiver come to your home depends on two factors — a client’s unique care needs and how often they use the service. This means that different types of home care have different cost considerations. 

• Level of care: Many older adults are still quite mobile. In these instances, caregivers serve a practical purpose, providing companionship, transportation and help around the home with the activities of daily living. Other clients have more acute needs that require a higher level of care and a caregiver with more training.
• Frequency: Some families use home care as a respite for a few hours a day. Other clients with more severe health issues may require more consistent services or 24/7 assistance.  

How Do Payment Plans Work?

Home care services usually involve monthly charges, and the organizations providing them will bill directly to third-party payers such as Medicare, Medicaid or insurance. Any uncovered costs are then billed to the client. 

Some clients choose private pay, meaning clients or their families pay out of pocket for home care. However, private pay can be funded or supplemented through resources such as the following:

• Personal savings
• Veterans programs
• Health savings accounts (HSAs)
• Individual retirement accounts (IRAs)
• Pensions
• Investments and annuities
• Real estate
• Social security benefits

Does Insurance Cover Home Care Costs?

Most health insurance will not cover home care — only home health. A doctor must prescribe home health care, as these services involve more medical attention. Here, a licensed professional provides care, usually for two to three visits per week for 21 days. Home care is often needed to supplement the limited nature of home health services. 

In some cases, clients with long-term care (LTC) insurance can receive coverage for home care services not covered by standard insurance policies. At Corewood Care, our services are covered by LTC. However, policies have different requirements for coverage. Call us so we can assist you with your policy and claim. 

Will Medicare or Medicaid Cover Home Care?

While Medicare may cover home health care services prescribed by a doctor, it will generally not cover home care. However, some home care services may be covered for a limited time if they are deemed medically necessary and delivered in tandem with skilled nursing or therapy. 

Medicaid is coverage for lower-income families and often pays for home care services for older adults. Because states administer their own Medicaid programs, eligibility requirements vary. To pursue Medicaid coverage for home care, you will need to work with your state agency. 

Are Home Care Services Tax Deductible?

Personal caregivers can be considered household employees. If you pay any taxes on their behalf, including state employment or social security, these costs may qualify as a medical expense deduction. If a personal aid eats with their client, that cost can also be deducted. Be sure to save every receipt you get and store them before tax season to claim itemized medical deductions. 

Learn More About Our Home Care Plans at Corewood Care

Corewood Care is here for you and your family. We will work with you to find the most cost-effective and beneficial option for the older adult in your life. Schedule a free assessment to learn more about our home care plans. 

At Corewood Care, we make it our mission to help our clients thrive and live gracefully. Our care management software provides valuable insight and real-time data, so it’s easier to track your relatives’ health and effectively work toward their well-being goals. Knowing a family member receives reliable care reports and monitoring encourages more peace of mind.

What Is Care Management Software?

Our care management software provides a streamlined way to coordinate our services and handle administrative tasks. By efficiently organizing data and other information, this state-of-the-art technology allows our team to focus more on providing excellent care to our clients. 

The digitized platform gives caregivers, staff and authorized relatives access to important information for each client. The system offers many beneficial solutions, including:

• Care reports and notes: All reports from our caregivers and staff are immediately available to view in real-time. 
• Medication monitoring: Integrations allow our caregivers to use precision when tracking the frequency our clients take their medicine. 
• Well-being monitoring: The system records accurate information about each client’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. 
• Care plans and tasks: Personalized care plans are suited to each client’s needs and act as a health checklist daily. 
• Secure GPS location: The technology pinpoints the location of our caretakers and clients for compliance with safety standards. 
• Health alerts: Technology monitors our clients’ health information and immediately notifies our caregivers about any urgent issues so they can respond promptly. 

Care Management Software Versus EHR

An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a digital version of a client’s health chart. The EHRs offer organization, making it easier to find relevant information quickly. You can think of EHRs as a virtual cabinet or file system. 

Our care management software works as a supplemental tool to EHRS. In addition to keeping track of information, the system provides next-level capabilities with monitoring, GPS and alert notifications. These features offer a way to improve clients’ quality of care and lower health risks.

What to Look for in Excellent Software

Effective care management software works as a tool to help everyone reach their goals. At Corewood Care, we’re dedicated to assisting adults to thrive throughout their aging journeys. We strive to provide high-quality health services and meet client needs promptly. Our advanced technology is: 

• User-friendly: The system is easy to use, so caretakers and staff can input any health-related information with a simple process. 
• Convenient: Recorded data allows you to stay in the loop, so you can check on your family member’s health at all times. 
• Accurate: Monitoring and tracking give you real-time insight so you know the information is always correct. 

Learn More About Our Care Management Services

At Corewood Care, our cutting-edge technology works as a form of communication between caregivers and families. We’re happy to provide compassionate services and make managing health and daily life easier. 

Please explore our care management services to learn how we work with our clients’ unique needs and goals. Our team delivers a tailored approach for crisis prevention, special care situations and long-term planning. 

To get started, schedule a free assessment today!

Everyone has unique needs when it comes to receiving caregiver assistance as they age and navigate medical conditions. Several types of care are available to meet a range of circumstances, including 24-hour care and live-in care. While these types of care are similar, 24/7 care and live-in care are not the same. 

Here we provide an overview of 24-hour versus live-in care and the benefits of each to help families determine the best option for older adults. 

What Is 24-Hour Care?

Twenty-four-hour in-home care is a service in which a caregiver is always present with the person being cared for, providing assistance and support around the clock. This type of care is helpful for individuals who have a chronic illness or disability or are recovering from a major surgery or injury. 

Around-the-clock care utilizes two to three caregivers who work in shifts, meaning the client will have at least two different assistants coming and going each day. Caregivers are paid an hourly rate, which can become a significant expense. However, the client determines the length of each shift, usually between eight and 12 hours. Additionally, they can decide if and when the caregiver takes breaks. 

Having two to three caregivers during each 24-hour period reassures clients that each caregiver is alert and ready to deliver attentive care during their shift. 

The caregiver may assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and grooming, as well as medication management, meal preparation and other forms of support. The level of care provided can vary based on the client’s needs and can range from basic to specialized medical care.

What Is Live-In Care?

Live-in care is a type of care in which a fully trained caregiver lives with the client in their home. The caregiver supports the client’s needs to keep them comfortable and independent at home. 

Live-in caregivers stay in the client’s home with them 24 hours a day for four or five days at a time, depending on the situation. Clients typically have two primary caregivers who split the week and alternate on weekends and holidays. Live-in care incurs a flat-rate daily cost, including rest and sleep breaks, which can amount to half the price of 24-hour care. 

Live-in caregivers receive two mandatory breaks during their shifts — eight hours for sleeping and another four-hour break during the day. The client may choose to go unsupervised during caregiver breaks or arrange for another caregiver to cover the time. 

With one daily caregiver, the client can benefit from more quality time and fewer interruptions to their daily life. However, individuals who choose live-in care must provide a dedicated bedroom for the caregiver, and the required eight-hour sleep break may leave them without direct supervision at night. Even so, the caregiver is always close by in case of an urgent need.

Live-in care is a popular choice for anyone who wishes to remain in their home while receiving the care and support they need. It’s an excellent option for anyone who wants to maintain independence and stay in familiar surroundings. It’s also a good choice for individuals with complex care needs, as live-in caregivers can provide the one-on-one attention their condition requires.

Hospice vs. Palliative Care

While hospice care and palliative care are related concepts, they differ in a few ways. Each type of care provides physical and psychosocial relief from complex symptoms related to serious illness. Pain and symptom relief are the objectives of each, just with different prognoses and goals of care. 

Hospice care provides comfort with no intention of curing the client. It’s designed for a person with a serious illness who is approaching the end of life. Hospice care focuses on the care, comfort and quality of life of those with terminal illnesses expected to have less than six months to live. 

Palliative care, on the other hand, is for anyone who has a chronic medical condition. Palliative care provides comfort with or without curative intentions. A key difference between hospice and palliative care is that you can begin palliative care at any point during your illness, while hospice care is typically reserved for the final stages of life. 

Hospice care often takes place at home or in home-like hospice residences. If you’re thinking about palliative versus 24-hour care, understand that palliative care occurs in settings such as hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities and is not round-the-clock. Both hospice and palliative care involve a team of health care professionals who work together to provide care and improve the quality of life for the individual.  

The Benefits of 24-Hour Care

Twenty-four-hour care provides many benefits for individuals who need around-the-clock supervision and help with daily activities. These benefits include:

• Reducing the likelihood that a person will become housebound, which can help keep feelings of depression and loneliness at bay. 
• Remaining in familiar surroundings so individuals can remain independent and positive, helping reduce anxiety and stress. 
• Receiving 24-hour care in multiple environments, including their homes, a personal care center or a nursing facility. 
• Helping with daily activities like getting dressed, eating meals and bathing. 
• Managing medications and providing wound care. 
• Providing older adults with a safe and secure environment, allowing them to receive assistance with their daily needs from caregivers trained to identify and manage any potential safety risks. 
• Increasing general well-being and provideing an immediate response to medical or other emergencies. 

The Benefits of Live-In Care

Live-in care boasts several of its own benefits, such as:

• With none of the restrictions associated with institutionalized care, live-in care allows individuals to keep their independence and dignity. 
• Live-in care enables individuals to maintain the lifestyle they’re used to, keeping beloved pets and attending their usual social activities, which can contribute to a better quality of life. 
• Live-in care can reduce the cost of care by offering room and board, especially when the older adult has plenty of space at their current residence. 
• Live-in care allows older adults to receive the assistance they need in a private setting, set their own schedule and remain part of their home community. 
• Live-in caregivers provide all the same types of care that other home care or home health care workers provide, including personal care, assistance with activities of daily living, companionship and nursing services if trained. 

Corewood Care Offers Exceptional 24-Hour Care Services

If you’ve decided that 24/7 care services are best for your aging family member, you can count on the trustworthy professionals at Corewood Care. We provide clients in Bethesda, MD, and surrounding areas with reliable, quality and professional in-home care. 

With Corewood Care, older adults enjoy round-the-clock support as needed, 24 hours a day and seven days per week. We’re committed to helping our clients live and age gracefully, and we look forward to meeting the older adult in your family. Contact Corewood Care today to schedule a free assessment. 

Companion care and personal care are different kinds of in-home caregiving services. While both may seem similar, each provides unique benefits for clients and their families. While companion care focuses on social and emotional support, personal care services focus on personal hands-on assistance. Learning the difference between the two can help families decide what’s right for older adult relatives.

What Is Personal Care? 

Personal care services aim to help older adults with activities of daily living (ADLs). Activities of daily living include those a person cannot live without, such as eating, bathing, toileting, walking and dressing. A personal care provider can help older adults function throughout the day and keep them safe.

Clients are given personalized support and undivided attention when they opt for in-home personal care. The caregiver will focus on the client’s needs to help them with ADLs as needed. The goal is to help older adults maintain their independence and have a higher quality of life, as they can receive support from the comfort of their own homes.  

What Are Considered Personal Care Services?

Personal care service examples include: 

• Toileting: Many older adults may have trouble walking and sitting and require assistance going to the bathroom. Personal caregivers can discreetly provide help in a way that makes the person feel comfortable and safe.
• Bathing: Bathing can become challenging and unsafe for older adults, especially those with physical impairments. Personal caregivers can help older adults feel safe and comfortable while caring for their personal hygiene.
• Dressing: Older adults may face challenges when dressing. Personal caregivers are there to assist clients in putting on their clothing each day while ensuring they have control over their style.
• Mobility and transfer assistance: Personal caregivers can help older adults if they have trouble moving and walking independently. They can help clients navigate the home safely, avoid falls and transfer them from the couch or bed. 
• Feeding: Some older adults can have difficulty feeding themselves or eating a balanced meal. Caregivers will offer help with meal preparation, cooking and eating. 
• Medications: Personal caregivers can also help older adults remember which medications they should be taking and remind them in taking medicines at the prescribed times. 

What Is Companion Care?

Companion care is a home care service providing crucial social and emotional support for older adults. Companion care services aim to help older adults with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), which include light housekeeping duties, meal preparation, social engagement, running errands, arranging medical appointments, transportation, depending on the client’s needs. Companion caregivers can help older adults struggling with loneliness, depression or a lack of motivation to improve their quality of life.

Companion caregivers will spend time with the client, talking to them and participating in activities together like drawing, painting or taking walks, depending on the client’s interests. The goal is to keep older adults engaged and satisfied doing what they enjoy most. 

What Are Examples of Companion Care Services?

The primary companion care services include: 

• Companionship: A companion caregiver’s primary goal is to provide social and emotional support for older adults even when family or friends are unavailable. Caregivers can help reduce social isolation and promote a more rewarding and fulfilling life through activities and interactions. Caregivers can also schedule social outings to help clients interact with the community. 
• Light housekeeping: Some older adults have trouble maintaining housekeeping and completing errands. Companion caregivers can help with light housekeeping duties like sweeping or vacuuming, picking up groceries or going to the laundromat. 
• Running errands and scheduling appointments: A companion caregiver can accompany older adults on errands and lend a helping hand or can complete the errand for the person. They can assist in scheduling appointments and follow-up appointments and provide older adults with reminders or take notes during the appointment. 
• Transportation: Older adults might have trouble driving to and from appointments or cannot navigate public transit alone. That’s where companion care services come in. Caregivers can set up safe transportation for clients to get where they need to safely and on time.

While companion caregivers cannot provide medical assistance, they can keep family members informed on the client’s health and well-being if they have any concerns. Companion caregivers can also call for immediate medical aid in the case of an emergency. 

Similarities and Differences Between Personal Care vs. Companion Care

Weighing the similarities and differences between personal and companion care can help families decide which service suits an older adult’s needs. The primary differences lie in the types of services provided. Companion caregivers provide regular social support, while personal caregivers are licensed and trained nursing assistants and offer hands-on care and physical assistance. 

Personal care providers are trained and qualified to handle immediate and direct physical assistance. They can also assist older adults with chronic health conditions like dementia or diabetes. 

Older adults who need social support can benefit from companion care, which aims to reduce loneliness and isolation. As part of this service, clients can also request help with chores like housekeeping and running errands. Companion caregivers can also keep the client company while helping with everyday tasks like organization or meal prep. 

These services are similar in how they are both offered at the client’s home and customized according to their needs and schedule. Companion and personal care services aim to help clients feel more independent, comfortable and satisfied with life.

How to Choose the Right Caregiving Service

Hiring the right caregiver is essential to help older adults maintain independence and live in their homes longer, and to provide extra support when family members can’t physically be with them. Use these tips to choose the right caregiving service: 

• Learn and understand the services well: It can be challenging to know what’s best for a family member, but understanding the caregiving services well can ensure they get exactly what they need. Select services that align with their needs and goals.
• Check for alliances and associations: Trustworthy, qualified care professionals ensure their services collaborate with reputed medical institutions. The services provided are based on past proven outcomes and adjusted to improve future ones, ensuring clients get the best care possible.
• Credibility: Ensure the caregiver is licensed or trained to care for older adults. Credible caregivers will be specifically trained to care for medical conditions or provide emotional support as needed. They will also undergo a comprehensive hiring process before being accepted based on their qualifications, skills and overall fit. 

Get Professional Companion Care and Personal Care Services at Corewood Care 

Everyone’s care needs are different. That’s why you’ll want to consider the various services offered through companion and personal care. While companion care is ideal for clients seeking emotional support, personal care services provide hands-on physical assistance. Both options allow your family member to flourish all in the comfort of their home. 

At Corewood Care, we can help you figure out the best service for an older adult in your life. If you’re searching for more extensive home services that include both emotional support and medical assistance, we also provide 24/7 in-home care. 

Contact us today to learn more about our services and find a care solution for someone in your life. Provide your information, and we will reach out to assess your needs and schedule a free care assessment. 

Winter is often synonymous with hunkering down inside and waiting for the temperatures to warm up. However, older adults don’t have to be bored or idle when the weather is cold. There are many activities they can fill their days with, from the comfort of the indoors and even outside if they feel up to an adventure.  

Indoor Winter Activities for Older Adults

The winter months are a great opportunity to cozy up indoors. Fortunately, many fun and stimulating activities can be done inside to help keep older adults mentally and physically active. Explore the following ideas for things for elderly people to do inside.   

Decorate for the Season

The holidays are one of winter’s many joys. Decorating for the season is a fun, mood-brightening way for older adults to welcome the colder months, partake in an engaging activity and add some festive flair to their living space. 

Do-it-yourself seasonal decorations are a great option for older adults who want to get crafty. Sites like YouTube and Pinterest are full of ideas and tutorials for homemade decorations. 

Complete Puzzles and Word Games

Older adults can keep their minds sharp by engaging in intellectually stimulating activities. Puzzles and games like crosswords, word searches and Sudoku can benefit brain health by giving older adults the opportunity to use problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. 

Find puzzles and word games in newspapers, magazines or books. Caregivers and older adults can also search for these games online on a phone, tablet or computer.

Start a Book Club

Older adults who love to read can make it a social activity by starting a book club with family members, friends or members of their community. Book clubs involve choosing a book everyone agrees on and meeting periodically to discuss what’s been read. These clubs can even branch out to include works of poetry, news articles or any other pieces of writing.

Reading does more than just help to pass the time. Reading can positively impact overall health by:

• Strengthening the brain
• Increasing empathy
• Preventing cognitive decline
• Expanding vocabulary
• Reducing stress
• Aiding sleep
• Alleviating depression 
• Lengthening the life span 

Older adults can obtain books by visiting their local library or bookstore or by purchasing hard or digital copies online.

Listen to a Podcast

Podcasts are digital audio files that feature a host or speaker discussing a particular topic. They’re available to download on apps such as Pandora, Spotify, Apple and Google Podcasts. Podcasts exist for nearly every subject imaginable and, as such, are a great way for older adults to have a laugh, catch up on news, learn something new or just explore what’s out there. 

Cook 

Cooking is an activity that older adults can do independently or with friends and family any time of year, but wintry weather makes getting in the kitchen and making nourishing meals all the more enjoyable. 

Older adults can find joy in cooking family-favorite recipes or try something new by experimenting with different cuisines. Dishes like soups, stews and chili are perfect for warming up on cold winter days. 

Cooking for oneself or others can be an empowering activity as well as a way to show love. Older adults can bond with younger generations by teaching them how to cook, or make it a group activity by having close friends or family over to enjoy the meal.   

Engage in Low-Impact Exercise

It’s widely known that exercise does wonders for our physical and mental health, and the cold doesn’t have to stop older adults from reaping the benefits. Many low-impact movements can be done indoors, such as yoga, stretching and chair exercises. 

Gentle resistance training, such as with bands or light weights, is a great way to keep older adults strong and active during winter months. Daily sessions of 30 to 60 minutes can help older adults experience positive results, including:

• Strengthened bones and muscles
• Reduced risk of chronic disease
• Enhanced cognitive function
• Improved mental health

Outdoor Winter Activities for Older Adults

Getting outdoors to enjoy fresh air and nature can be a wonderful way for older adults to explore the world, stay active and nurture relationships. Staying safe and warm outside during winter simply requires a bit of planning and precautionary measures. The winter months offer the following unique outdoor opportunities.

Visit Holiday Attractions

Holiday attractions are a great opportunity to gather the family and do something fun and festive. Following are a few ideas for holiday attractions and events:

• Christmas tree farms
• Holiday markets
• Holiday light tours
• Caroling
• Church services

Have a Snow Day

Snow days don’t mean older adults have to stay cooped up inside. There are many ways to get outdoors and relish in the pristine beauty of a snowy landscape:

• Go for a stroll: Older adults can take in the quiet charm of a snow day with a gentle walk on a cleared sidewalk. Warm clothing, a hat, gloves and shoes suitable for snow can help keep them safe from falls and low temperatures.
• Build a snowman: Building a snowman can be a joyful and nostalgic activity, especially when children join. Older adults can actively participate by decorating the snowmen or find a comfortable seat and supervise the fun. 
• Watch the birds: Snow provides the perfect backdrop to watch winter birds as they explore their surroundings and hunt for food. 

Staying Safe and Warm Outdoors

It’s essential for older adults to properly prepare themselves before spending time outdoors in the winter. Older adults can become sick if they get too cold. 

Aging bodies don’t retain heat as well as they once did. Furthermore, physical changes due to aging can blunt an older adult’s awareness of the cold, so they may not realize they’re getting chilly until the situation has escalated. Hypothermia can occur if body temperature drops below 95 degrees, leaving older adults at risk of many serious health problems. 

Caregivers can help older adults avoid hypothermia by implementing a few tips and tricks before they head outdoors:

• Bundle up in loose layers of clothing: The air between the layers can help keep heat close to the body. 
• Add a scarf and hat: An exposed head and neck can be major sources of body heat loss. 
• Don’t stay out in the cold for extended periods: Outdoor activities should be kept brief to ensure older adults’ safety. 
• Wear waterproof shoes in snowy or wet weather: Feet are at risk of hypothermia if they become wet in the cold. 

Live Gracefully With Corewood Care 

At Corewood Care, we understand the importance of staying physically and mentally active in the later years of life, no matter the season. If you’re searching for things to do in the winter with elderly parents or friends, our companion care can help keep them active and entertained. 

Corewood Care’s aging life care experts meet older adults where they are, whether at home, in the hospital, in an older adult community or elsewhere, to assist with daily activities, provide guidance, manage health and much more. 

Let the older adults in your life thrive and live gracefully with Corewood Care. Reach out to us today.

Table of Contents

• Fall Risks for Older Adults
• Fall Prevention Techniques
• How to Fall-Proof a Home

Experts estimate that one out of every four older adults fall each year in the United States. As we grow older, physical changes, medications and health conditions can make falls more likely and lead to hip fractures, cuts and even severe or fatal head injuries.

Fortunately, if you have an older friend or family member, you can be proactive to prevent falls and keep them safe. Fall prevention for older adults starts with fall-proofing their living space, working on balance and strength training and making other simple yet effective changes.

Try out a few of these tips to help an older adult in your life avoid injuries and maintain a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Many variables can cause falls in older adults. The risk is often related to a combination of factors, such as: 

• Eyesight, reflexes and hearing aren’t as strong as we age.
• Certain conditions like heart disease, diabetes and thyroid problems can affect balance and cause falls.
• Cognitive impairments or types of dementia can put older adults at higher risk of falling.
• Age-related loss of muscle mass, problems with gait and balance.
• Low blood pressure caused by getting up from lying down or sitting up can increase the risk of falling.
• Some medications have side effects like dizziness or confusion that can increase a person’s risk of falling. 
• Safety hazards around the home can lead to falls.

Falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults, making these incidents a public health concern among the aging population. To minimize the risks and help someone close to your stay safe, try the following fall prevention techniques:

1. Regular Exercise and Activity

Some exercises can reduce the risk of falling. Exercises focusing on balance and strength training can significantly help reduce the risk of falling. Remember that certain physical activities should only be reserved for older adults with a low risk of falling who can stand independently without support.

Lifting weights can help older adults improve their muscle strength, which often diminishes with age. Resistance bands are another option to help with exercises. A sit-to-stand exercise can also help improve balance and body mechanics to reduce falls.

While exercise can help prevent falls, it’s equally beneficial for older adults’ physical and mental health. Consult with their physician to ensure they get the recommended amount of physical activity each week.

2. Try Yoga

Yoga is another way to help older adults prevent falls, with many poses focusing on improving strength and balance. Yoga can also help people stay mindful and enhance cognitive function. You can help an older adult in your life prevent falls, relieve stress and stay centered with the following yoga poses:

• Mountain pose: This yoga pose helps with balance and grounding. Older adults should stand tall with their heels together, drawing a deep breath in and out while relaxing their shoulders.
• Tree pose: This pose is excellent for abdominal and leg strength, helping older adults with balance and focus. Have them stand tall and place one foot on their opposite inner thigh, either below or above the knee. Next, have them open their leg to the side and bring their hands to a prayer position to hold for five breaths.
• Downward-facing dog: This position is excellent for flexibility, joint health and all-over body strength. Older adults should go on their hands and knees before shifting downward and lifting the hips up and back to form a triangle with the body. Next, have them use their core strength and legs to bring the weight back as much as possible, lowering down after five to eight breaths.
• Savasana: This pose can help reset the nervous system and restore a sense of calm to the mind and body. Have your family member lie on their back in final relaxation, allowing the floor to support them. Instruct them to relax the muscles and take deep breaths as long as needed.

3. Use Assistance Devices and Alarms

Fall prevention for older adults often starts with installing alarms and assistive devices in the home. Older adults can utilize several devices to prevent falls or call for help in case they occur. These individuals can also wear monitors or install them in the home, making contacting and receiving emergency help easier.

Other assistive devices to fall-proof a home include:

• Voice commands for smart hubs: Voice control can benefit older adults. Smart hubs compile the smart devices in the home so they can control them through voice automation from one hub. Older adults can make and take calls, stream TV shows and even control the lights through voice commands. The device can reduce the number of times an older adult uses the stairs or moves around the home, reducing their risk of falling.
• Stairlifts: For many older adults, stairlifts make an excellent investment. As we age, climbing stairs is more dangerous as we lose muscle strength. With a stairlift, your older family member can ascend and descend stairs safely and without assistance.
• Programmable smart lights: Lighting is essential to prevent falls. With smart lights, older adults can control the brightness of a room or walkway with a remote. They can also program the lights to turn on as they enter certain areas.
• Canes and walkers: Assistive devices like canes and walkers can help your older family member feel steady as they walk, helping to prevent falls. These devices are accommodating in unfamiliar places or where walkways are uneven. 

4. Wear Sensible Shoes

It’s essential to wear the proper footwear to prevent falls. High heels, shoes with slick soles and floppy slippers can all lead to trips or stumbles. Instead, have your family member opt for adequately fitting, sturdy, flat shoes with nonskid soles. Sensible shoes that are correctly fitted can also reduce joint pain.

5. Keep Hands Free

Older adults should leave their hands free while walking to ensure they can catch themselves if they trip or stumble. Shoulder bags, fanny packs or backpacks can also help keep the hands free, so they can hold onto railings while walking in or outside the home. When grocery shopping alone, ensure they follow the same protocols with shoulder bags to carry groceries and heavier items.

6. Maintain Optimal Health

Identifying and treating health risk factors is also essential for preventing falls. For instance, treating blood pressure, calcium supplementation, vitamin D and visual impairments is crucial.

Older adults can also take preventive health measures such as:

• Having eyes and hearing tested: Even minor changes in hearing and sight are linked to an increased risk for falls. It’s essential for older adults to wear their glasses or contacts as their doctors advise and wear hearing aids correctly.
• Getting plenty of sleep: Being tired or fatigued can lead to more falls. That’s why older adults need to get plenty of rest. Experts recommend these individuals get at least seven to nine hours of sleep a night.
• Discussing side effects of medications: Older adults need to learn about and discuss any side effects of medications they take. For instance, if a medicine makes them tired or dizzy, they should tell their health care provider.
• Avoiding or limiting alcohol: Consuming too much alcohol can cause balance issues and falls, making it essential for older adults to avoid or limit alcohol use.

7. Lighten Your Living Space

One way to fall-proof a home is by lighting up the living space. A brightly lit home can help them avoid tripping on objects that are hard to see. This is especially crucial for older adults with visual impairments. Lighten a space by:

• Placing night lights along hallways and in the bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Placing lamps close to bedsides.
• Making clear paths to light switches.
• Trading traditional switches for illuminated or glow-in-the-dark switches.
• Installing lights in stairways.
• Storing flashlights in easy-to-find places in case of power outages.

8. Stay Inside During Severe Weather

Another vital fall prevention technique for adults is to stay inside in the event of bad weather. Some community services will provide 24-hour delivery of groceries and prescriptions, while many take orders over the phone. If you have an older friend or family member, encourage them to stay inside to prevent falling due to heavy rain, snowfall or ice.

9. Talk to Your Health Care Provider

While many older adults fall yearly, research shows fewer than half discuss it with their doctors. Older adults should make appointments with their health care provider to help avoid fatal or nonfatal injuries. The doctor may assess their risk and discuss fall prevention techniques to help. They may want to discuss the following:

• Medications: It’s helpful to bring a list of prescriptions or nonprescription drugs and supplements to the doctor. That way, they can review the medications for side effects or interactions that could increase a person’s risk of falling.
• Any previous falls: If an older adult close to you falls, have them write down the details, including when, where and how they fell. They should also discuss instances where they almost fell and managed to grab support in time. Details like these can help your health provider develop specific fall prevention techniques.
• Health conditions: Specific ear and eye disorders might increase an older adult’s risk of falls. They should always discuss these health conditions and any dizziness, shortness of breath or foot issues that might occur while walking. That way, health providers can evaluate muscle strength, walking style and balance to help come up with a plan to prevent falls.

Whether it’s electrical cords, slippery floors or uneven stairs, many factors in the home can increase a person’s risk of falling. Therefore, fall prevention for older adults should start with creating a safe, hazard-free living space. If you have an older family member, look around your home for anything that could cause a slip, tumble or fall.

To fall-proof your home, do the following:

• Store necessities within easy reach: Older adults should keep items like clothing, medication and food within easy reach. That way, they can avoid falls by attempting to reach for objects out of reach. This can also reduce joint strain, ensuring more convenient, comfortable access to their needs.
• Repair flooring: Be sure to repair any loose wooden floorboards and carpeting immediately. Reduce trip hazards to help an older family member navigate the house safely and take note of any uneven flooring.
• Restrain pets: If you have pets, ensure they can’t get underfoot, as this can quickly lead to trips and falls. You might use leashes or baby gates to keep them out of the bathroom and off the stairs to prevent your family member from falling. Training them is another way to keep them away from their feet while walking inside and outdoors.
• Remove loose items from the floor: Be sure to secure loose throw rugs with double-faced tape or slip-resistant backing to reduce trip hazards in the home. Also, keep smaller items off the floor, like newspapers, boxes and electrical cords. Move larger ones, like coffee tables and plant stands, away from high-traffic areas.
• Illuminate dark areas: We rely on our vision to keep balance. Walking in a dark room can increase the risk of falling. That’s why it’s essential to brighten the areas where older adults might walk after dark, including hallways, stairs and basements.
• Slip-proof bathrooms and quickly clean spills: Slipping and falling in the bathroom can lead to severe injuries. Steam and water can make the floors slippery, so using nonslip mats in the shower and tub is essential. Install grab bars in the shower, so older adults have something to reach for if they lose balance. In addition, be sure to quickly clean any spilled liquids or grease from the floor to prevent falls.

Consider 24/7 In-Home Assistance at Corewood Care

At Corewood Care, we provide an extra layer of assurance and safety for older adults with personal care services and 24/7 in-home assistance. Our aging life care experts will design a holistic care plan to help your family member manage their health needs while providing supervision to prevent falls and injuries.

For example, our caregivers can ensure your family member eats and drinks enough to avoid fainting or dehydration. We can also assist them in their physical health goals, encouraging them to participate in daily walks or attend physical therapy.

Every person’s needs are different, so schedule a free assessment to discuss how our home care options can help someone in your life.