National Falls Prevention Week is a timely reminder that preventing falls is one of the most effective ways to protect a loved one’s independence, confidence, and overall health. Below is a concise recap of our VLOG, organized for easy reference and sharing with family members, caregivers, and community partners across Bel Air MD and Harford County.
Why Falls Are So Harmful to Seniors
- Serious injuries like hip fractures and head trauma can trigger hospitalizations, long rehab stays, and loss of independence.
- Fear of falling often leads to reduced activity, which weakens balance and strength—increasing the chance of another fall.
- Even “no-injury” falls are significant: they are strong warning signs that the home environment, medications, or mobility supports need to be adjusted.
What Increases Fall Risk?
- Medications that cause dizziness, drowsiness, or low blood pressure (sleep aids, some pain/anxiety meds, certain blood pressure meds).
- Vision and hearing changes that impact depth perception and balance.
- Strength, balance, or foot problems; improper footwear.
- Home hazards: poor lighting, clutter, loose throw rugs, hard-to-reach items, and slippery bathrooms.
- Recent illness or hospitalization, dehydration, or poor nutrition.
- History of falls: one fall doubles the chance of another.
Our Higher Standard: RN-Led, Accredited Fall Prevention
BrightStar Care of Bel Air MD is Harford County’s only private-duty homecare provider accredited by The Joint Commission. As an award-winning agency, our RN-Led Plan of Care follows proven fall-reduction practices:
- Screen & Assess: We use structured risk screens, review medications, and evaluate strength, balance, gait, and home safety.
- Targeted Interventions: Personalized plans may include companion care, personal care, safe transfer training, hydration/nutrition support, and therapy referrals.
- Educate & Equip: We teach clients and families how to reduce risks and respond after any fall or near-fall.
- Evaluate & Improve: We continually track outcomes and update the Plan of Care—a hallmark of Joint Commission Accreditation.
Practical Tips for Families & Caregivers
1) Medication & Health Review
- Ask your provider or pharmacist to review medications for side effects.
- Promote hydration and balanced nutrition to prevent dizziness and weakness.
2) Vision, Hearing & Foot Care
- Keep eye and hearing exams current; use proper lighting at night.
- Choose supportive, non-skid footwear; avoid loose slippers or high heels.
3) Strength & Balance Routines
- Simple daily exercises—chair stands, heel-to-toe walking, and light balance work—help rebuild stability.
- Ask our clinicians about Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy and local, evidence-based classes.
4) Home Safety Walk-Through
- Remove clutter and cords; secure or remove throw rugs; add nightlights and motion sensors.
- Install grab bars by the toilet and in the shower; use non-slip mats and consider a shower chair & handheld shower.
- Place commonly used items within easy reach; install handrails on all stairs.
5) Assistive Devices & Technology
- Use properly fitted canes/walkers; ask our therapists for guidance.
- Consider medical alert systems or smartphone fall-detection features, especially for those living alone.
6) Report Every Fall or Near-Fall
- Tell your nurse or physician immediately—even if there’s no injury—so your Plan of Care and home setup can be adjusted.
Local Resources in Harford County, MD
- Harford County Office on Aging & Senior Activity Centers: Educational talks, safety programs, and community events (McFaul, Fallston, Havre de Grace, and others).
- Healthy Harford: Evidence-based fall-prevention classes such as Matter of Balance and Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance.
- University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health: Community wellness education and programs that support safer aging at home.
- Maryland Department of Aging — Falls Prevention: Tools, checklists, and self-assessments to help families identify and address risks.
- Harford HOPE Helpline: Community navigation to connect you with local services and support.
If you’d like, our team can help you contact these resources and determine which programs are the best fit for your situation.
How BrightStar Care of Bel Air MD Can Help
We deliver a full continuum of care tailored to each client’s goals, preferences, and safety needs:
- Companion Care & Personal Care: Daily safety checks, mobility assistance, safe transfers, bathing & grooming support, medication reminders, hydration/nutrition support.
- 24/7 Care: Around-the-clock support for clients who need continuous supervision and safety oversight.
- Skilled Nursing Care: RN-Led Care for medication management, chronic condition monitoring, post-hospital recovery, and coordination with your physicians.
- Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy: Strength, balance, gait training, equipment fitting, home safety recommendations, and cognitive strategies that reduce fall risk.
- Commercial Insurance & Private-Pay Options: We help families understand coverage and build cost-effective plans. Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one in Bel Air MD or Harford County is concerned about falls, contact BrightStar Care of Bel Air MD. We’ll complete a comprehensive fall-risk assessment, update or create an RN-Led Plan of Care, and coordinate therapy and in-home care—from companion care and personal care to 24/7 care and skilled nursing care—so you can remain safe, confident, and independent at home.
About BrightStar Care of Bel Air MD
BrightStar Care of Bel Air MD is an award-winning, locally owned and operated homecare provider serving Harford County. We are proud to be the region’s only Joint Commission–accredited private-duty provider, committed to professionalism, compassion, and the Golden Rule—treating every client as we would want our own family to be treated.
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