1. Is there anything about your family or background that makes you especially passionate about caring for others?

Absolutely. My younger sister had her first surgery when she was minutes old—she’s had 69 so far. When I was little, I thought all families spent weeks in the hospital. I was always around doctors, nurses, and patients. That was my normal. My great grandmother, who had Alzheimer’s, moved in with my family. Keeping her company was my job. I was so excited when she taught me how to peel potatoes. To this day every time I hold a potato, a Great-grandma smile comes through. Grandma is sick, and we can’t take care of her anymore, they said. I knew it was time. Even at 6 years old.

2. How did you get into being a carer?

When I went into labor prematurely, my labor and delivery nurse Rachel, had the most incredible amount of patience and took such amazing good care of me. She was also pregnant and due the same time as me. My angel daughter didn’t survive, but sometimes I think the reason my baby was with me at all was to show me my direction in life—to be there and care for others as Rachel had for me. Rachel had her baby, and we’re still friends over a decade later. I guess I had two great influences guiding my fate. Maybe losing my baby was in some ways meant to teach me empathy and direct me to help people.

3. What do you love most about being a professional carer?

Sounds cliché, but I enjoy the difference I can make in someone’s life. When families become caregivers they stop being family members. Husbands stop being husbands, wives stop being wives. When I come in and take care of the tasks that nobody wants to do, I let the other person be a spouse or a child again. I get to give family members back to their families. That makes me feel really good.

4. What’s your greatest challenge in this work?

I take it all in stride. My experience takes over most of the time without me thinking about it. Like reflexes. The only thing that I can truly say bothers me is when someone asks a person with Alzheimer’s, Why don’t you understand? Or I just told you this an hour ago. People who aren’t empathetic to another person’s affliction is hard for me to watch.

5. What’s the secret to a great relationship between a carer and a client?

Complete honesty. And that builds mutual respect. Nobody wants someone in their home who is going to be fake. If a Care Pro doesn’t love what they do, the client can feel it. They want someone who can talk truthfully about what is going on and treat them like real people.

6. Will you share with us a rewarding moment you’ve had as a Carer?

Recently, I was working hard to get a bed-bound man clean. It took a good hour. I was really struggling and sweating, and he was uncomfortable. I was talking to him, trying to make him feel at ease, but he didn’t say a word. When I was done, he looked at me and softly said, Thank you. And I remember feeling so good about helping him. Those two words made that all worthwhile. All carers have little moments like that and they feed your soul.

7. What do you like to do outside of work?

Always, always, always at the gym. I run obstacle course races. Knit. Crochet. Spend time with my little girl and my friends. Sleep sometimes.

8. Name one thing about you that might make people say WOW!

Most people don’t know that I am really good with a bow and arrow. They don’t picture me toting around a compound crossbow—but I’m a pretty incredible shot. I go to the range and shoot arrow after arrow. It helps me relax and concentrate. Almost meditative.

9. What do you collect?

Easy. Coffee mugs. I love coffee mugs. When my friends travel they always bring me back one they think I might like. The only rule is you have to have actually been there, not just passing through. I have about 150 so far. Now you know my weakness.

Falls pose one of the greatest dangers to a senior’s independence and self-sufficiency. More than one-third of people aged 65 and older fall each year, and those who fall once are two to three times more likely to fall again. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries, and are responsible for significant disability, hospitalisation, loss of independence, and reduced quality of life. In fact, the NHS reports that most fractures among older adults are caused by falls.

Here are four ways in which you can help your loved one to avoid falls, following Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines:

1. Practice Daily Strengthening Exercises

Balance and coordination can be greatly improved through exercise. Exercise that enhances strength, reaction time, and aerobic capacity is crucial for maintaining strong muscles and balance. The most effective exercises can be integrated into daily activities and focus on balance and strength building. Here are some examples, to be carried out as appropriate for the senior’s current strength and balance:

– Hold onto the sink and stand on one leg while brushing teeth.

– While talking on the telephone, hold onto the wall and lean to one side, then the other to improve balance.

– While putting laundry away, bend the knees and then straighten the legs to build muscle strength.

2. Make Home Modifications to Prevent Falls

Making the house “fall-proof” involves assessing everything from lighting inside and outside the home to interior rugs. It is important to remove clutter and throw rugs from high-traffic areas and stairs. Ensure that each light fixture has the highest wattage bulb possible. Place frequently used items within easy reach to avoid reaching or climbing on chairs. Home modifications can also include encouraging your loved one to wear non-slip footwear in the house and to avoid walking around in stocking feet.

3. Review Your Loved One’s Medications

Medications, especially antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, can cause dizziness and increase the risk of falls. Consult with your loved one’s GP and ask specifically about the side effects of each medication your loved one takes regularly.

Some medications may help to prevent falls. The NHS notes that vitamin D and calcium supplements may help to prevent falls. Studies have found that older women who took vitamin D and calcium supplements were 46% less likely to fall compared to those who did not take the supplements. Before giving your loved one supplements, check with their GP, as supplements can interfere with the efficacy of prescription medications.

4. Be Cautious with Bifocals

It has long been suspected that bifocals may contribute to the danger of falls for seniors. Recent studies confirm that wearers of multifocal glasses have a higher risk of falls when outside their homes and when walking up or down stairs. The study found that multifocal and bifocal glasses impair depth perception and make it more difficult to navigate steps and raised surfaces. When researchers provided seniors with single lens distance prescriptions to wear outdoors, falls were decreased by 40%. It is advisable to have two pairs of glasses for your loved one: a single lens pair with a distance prescription for walking up or down outdoor stairs, in shopping centres or unfamiliar buildings, and bifocals as needed at home.

Have you found any helpful ways to prevent falls at home for your loved one? If so, we would be interested in hearing about them. Every home environment is unique, and sharing helpful tips helps all of us to prevent dangerous falls.