Making sure that an elderly loved one remains safe in their home can be difficult. As the body begins to age, it doesn't work as well as it once did, leaving senior citizens susceptible to a wide variety of injuries. One of the most common concerns people have when it comes to keeping loved ones safe is preventing a fall.

Statistics show that falls are the leading fatal and non-fatal type of injury for an older adult, so giving your loved one the tools they need to prevent a fall is important. Here are two exercises your aging loved one can do in the home to help prevent a fall in the future.

1. Eye Tracking Exercises

While some falls are the result of decreased muscle and joint mobility, others are caused by changes in the vestibular system. Using eye tracking exercises to help improve vestibular function will prevent your aging loved one from becoming dizzy while performing daily tasks.

One easy eye tracking exercise to try with your loved one is the thumb tracking movement. Have your loved one hold his or her thumb at arm's length in front of their face. Then, have your loved one move their thumb as far to the right as possible. Have your loved one visually track their thumb without moving their head. Repeat the exercise to the left, and you will be on your way to helping the older adult in your life achieve better balance.

2. Balance Walking

Improving the muscle tone in your lower limbs can be a great way to increase stability. You can help your aging loved one take advantage of the benefits that improved muscle tone provides by encouraging them to participate in balance walking.

Begin by having your loved one stand with their arms raised to shoulder height. While looking at a fixed point straight ahead, your loved one should begin walking in a straight line, pausing for about one second with their rear leg lifted before placing it back on the ground and taking another step. Balance walking will help improve muscle tone, and prevent the falls that can be so dangerous to the elderly.

Home care for seniors encompasses many tasks. You can focus on helping your aging loved one improve his or her balance through eye tracking exercises and balance walking in order to ensure that they remain safe and sound within the confines of their own home. If you're still concerned about your loved one's safety in their home, you may consider hiring a home health care service like In Your Home Care.