The #1 Secret to Preventing Falls by Seniors

Go to the doctor.

Seriously. That’s it.

Get a complete physical, and set up a regular schedule of periodic checkups.

Many falls and accidents are caused by physical problems that come along with age: loss of vision, hearing, balance, etc. And falls can be made worse by conditions like osteoporosis.

A good physical exam can reveal small problems as they are starting. This increases your chances of being able to do something about it, and it also allows you to create a safer home environment by designing around the developing problem.

Sometimes our loved-one has been covering up symptoms our of pride or fear. This can make it tough to get them to the doctor. Trust between yourself and your parent is paramount.

Action Plan:

If your loved-one doesn’t see the doctor regularly, talk to them about going more often. Gently. Remember, their reasons for not going may seem silly to you, but they’re important to them. You may want to consult with anyone else who’s sharing the caregiving task with you, such as your siblings, and even seek professional advice from someone who specializes in eldercare or intra-family communications. (Check with your local senior services agency for recommendations.)

And here’s a joke, for no good reason…

“I told the doctor I broke my leg in two places. He told me to quit going to those places.”

Henny Youngman

More of his jokes at http://funny2.com/henny.htm.

There are also videos of his standup routines from the 1970s on YouTube. Might be fun to share with mom or dad on your next visit…

Have you got a favorite doctor joke? Share it in the comments.

The photo is a picture of a Banksy painting on the side of a building in San Francisco. By Eva Blue.

If you’re interested in Banksy, you could also check out the page about Banksy at Artsy.net