DeWolfe Place Assisted Living: When Balance Issues Start Raising Safety Concerns
Older adults should worry about balance issues if they appear suddenly, worsen quickly, or interfere with daily activities. DeWolfe Place Assisted Living helps seniors with balance issues by providing accessible housing, regular housekeeping, a professional health and wellness team, and healthy meals.
According to the CDC, over 14 million older adults report falling every year. This means that falls happen to 25% of seniors, which makes it the leading cause of injury for this demographic.
While there are many reasons for falls, one big one is balance issues. It's not a natural part of aging, but unfortunately, it happens to many seniors.
Here's what you need to know about balance issues and how DeWolfe Place Assisted Living in Marion, OH can help.
When To Worry About Balance Issues?
Fall risk and aging are very real issues, especially since falls can result in serious injuries that may have lifelong effects.
Generally speaking, you should be concerned about balance issues if they:
- Appear suddenly
- Worsen quickly
- Interfere with daily activities
Key warning signs of balance problems are:
- Frequent stumbling
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Numbness in the feet
- Weakness in the legs
- Difficulty standing up without support
If you experience any of the following with the above issues, seek emergency treatment immediately:
- Severe headaches
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
What To Do When You Have Balance Issues?
If you're having balance issues, then you should speak to your doctor. Together, you can figure out the underlying issue.
They may recommend:
- Vision and hearing checks
- Medication reviews
- Tests for nerve, inner ear, or muscle problems
After that, they may recommend that you get into physical therapy. There are also lifestyle changes you can make, such as:
- Wearing proper footwear
- Keeping your home free of tripping hazards
- Staying active
- Managing chronic conditions
The key is to address balance issues early, as this can significantly reduce your fall risk and help you maintain independence.
How DeWolfe Place Assisted Living Helps
Getting into assisted living for balance issues can be an excellent idea. You no longer have to rely on yourself or loved ones for support, and you'll be in a wonderful environment as well.
Here's what we offer at DeWolfe Place Assisted Living.
Accessible Housing
No matter which floor plan you opt for, you'll have a living space that's spacious and accessible. Our apartments are carpeted so that if you do suffer a fall, it won't be on a hard surface.
We also practice senior fall prevention to ensure that you're steady wherever you are. For example, there are supportive devices, such as grab bars in the bathroom.
Regular Housekeeping
Doing household chores can be challenging if you have balance issues. Not only can it sap a lot of your energy, but it also raises your fall risk.
This is why we offer our residents regular housekeeping services. When you don't have to do chores, you'll save your energy and be in less hazardous situations.
Professional Health and Wellness Team
Our professional health and wellness team will help with mobility monitoring. When they know what your personal situation is like, they can better make a fitness plan that's tailored to your capabilities. That way, you can get stronger in the safest way possible.
In addition, we have staff members who can help you with daily living activities, such as:
- Bathing
- Medication reminders
- Continence care
That way, you can go through your daily tasks smoothly, without worrying about tripping or falling.
Healthy Meals
If your balance problems are a result of weakened muscles, then you need to eat a healthy diet to support muscle growth. Nutrient-packed meals can also provide you with enough energy for daily activities, so you won't feel weak and fall.
At our community, you'll enjoy three meals daily. You can have them in our elegant dining room and spend time with friends. Or if you aren't feeling very social, you can bring the meals to your apartment instead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At What Age Do Balance Issues Start?
Balance issues can start as early as your mid-50s, but typically, they're more noticeable in your mid-60s and beyond. There are many causes of balance issues, such as:
- Muscle strength
- Joint flexibility
- Vision
- Inner ear's ability to regulate equilibrium
- Arthritis
- Neuropathy
- Medication side effects
The good news is that many older adults maintain strong balance well into their 80s by:
- Staying physically active
- Protecting their vision and hearing
- Managing chronic conditions
How Long Does It Take To Improve Balance?
In general, improving balance takes 4-12 weeks. Factors that impact the duration include:
- Starting fitness level
- Consistency
- Any medical conditions that may affect stability
After consistent practice, you should notice small improvements within the first few weeks. This means doing the exercises for 10-20 minutes a day, several times per week.
How Long Should a 70-Year-Old Be Able To Balance on One Leg?
A healthy 70-year-old should be able to balance on one leg for 5-10 seconds. If you can do this for over 10 seconds, then you have better-than-average balance for this age group.
The results will vary depending on your:
- Overall strength
- Activity level
- Flexibility
- Vision
- Any chronic conditions (such as neuropathy or joint issues)
However, if you aren't able to balance for a few seconds, it doesn't necessarily mean that something's wrong. It may simply mean that you can benefit from targeted balance exercises.
Come See DeWolfe Place Assisted Living
Now that you know about what DeWolfe Place Assisted Living offers, the next step is to come see the community for yourself. When you're amongst our residents, you'll see that we give excellent care, especially to those who have balance or mobility issues.
Not only that, but we provide numerous activities and amenities so that every day is exciting in our community. You can even bring your pet for additional support if you want!
Get in touch with us now to schedule a tour at DeWolfe Place in Marion, OH. We have many activities to help residents thrive in mind and body, such as bingo, card and board games, and residents' choice events.