Early morning can be a dangerous time of day for seniors living alone. If your parent has fallen at home, or you’re worried about them falling in the morning, get them 24-hour home care. If your parent has 24-hour home care, they will never be alone.
You won’t have to worry about your parent falling as they try to get out of bed or walk to the bathroom early in the morning because someone will be there, awake and ready to help them. And you won’t have to worry about your parent falling at night either.
24-hour home care gives you and your parent the peace of mind of knowing that a helping hand is always there if your parent needs it.
Why Are Morning Falls So Common For Seniors?
Seniors quite often fall in the morning, for several reasons. Seniors who are just waking up may be groggy from poor sleep or medications, making them more likely to fall. Seniors may also be hurrying to the bathroom first thing in the morning and may trip or fall in their rush.Â
Poor lighting, dizziness from medications, and other factors can all contribute to morning falls. Even mild hypoglycemia and dehydration can make seniors more likely to fall when they try to get out of bed first thing in the morning.
Getting 24-hour home care is the best way to prevent morning falls, but you can also lower the risk of your parent falling at home by doing things like:
Improve Bedroom and Hallway Lighting
Poor lighting is a major cause of early morning falls. If your parent gets up before sunrise or in a dim room, it can be hard to judge distances, see cords, or notice obstacles. Better lighting makes a real difference.
Install motion-sensor nightlights between the bed, bathroom, and hallway. Use bedside lamps with easy-to-reach switches or touch controls.
Brighten dark corners and stairways with plug-in lights or LED strips. Open curtains once daylight arrives. Clear, even lighting helps your parent orient themselves before taking those first steps.
Encourage a Slow “Sit Before You Stand” Routine
Many seniors experience dizziness when they stand up too quickly after lying down. This can happen because blood pressure drops suddenly, a condition often called orthostatic hypotension. Even a brief wave of lightheadedness can lead to a fall.
Encourage your parent to wake up slowly. Have them sit on the edge of the bed for a minute before standing. Once standing, they should pause again before walking. This simple routine gives the body time to adjust and can greatly improve morning stability.
Keep Essentials Within Easy Reach
Reaching, twisting, or hurrying to find items can create dangerous moments. If glasses, slippers, a cane, or medications are across the room, your parent may try to move before they are fully steady. Set up a bedside station with the things they use every morning: glasses, phone, water, hearing aids, walker, cane, tissues, and medications if appropriate.Â
When essentials are within arm’s reach, there is less temptation to stand suddenly or shuffle around unprepared.
Make the Path to the Bathroom Safer
The trip from bed to bathroom is one of the most common morning fall scenarios. Sleepiness, urgency, and dim lighting often combine with slippery floors or cluttered walkways.
Remove throw rugs, loose cords, shoes, baskets, and anything else from the path. Make sure the flooring is even and non-slip. Install grab bars near the toilet and shower if needed. A raised toilet seat can also make sitting and standing easier.Â
Make Sure Floors Aren’t Slippery
Make sure your parent has supportive, well-fitting slippers or indoor shoes with non-slip soles that they can easily put on without bending over. If they prefer socks, use grippy socks designed for traction. Also check floors for waxy surfaces, curled mats, or slick spots near the bathroom or kitchen. Better traction often prevents the kind of quick slip that leads to injury.
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring 24-Hour Home Care in Turnersville, NJ, please get in touch with the caring staff at Attentive Care Inc. at 1-800-493-5660.