Well
the weather is starting to turn colder, and there’s always a chance of snow, or
freezing rain. While the weather outdoors can make getting around a little more
challenging, most accidents actually happen inside the home. This is the
reasoning behind our theme for the November Home Health Care Flyer- “Fall Awareness
and Prevention”.
Walsh’s
has been committed to helping those who are able, to continue living
independently, to remain in their community and homes, and also have the
ability to get around- both in and outside of their home safely.
Anyone
can fall, but the risk of doing so seems to get greater with age. Every year, 1
in 3 Canadian seniors will fall at least once. Nearly half of all injuries
among seniors happen at home, particularly in areas where there is water
present- bathrooms & kitchens. Stairs can also challenging areas for increased
falling.
There
are a number of factors which can increase the risk of falling:
·
Poor
balance
·
Decreased
muscle or bone strength
·
Reduced
vision or hearing
·
Unsafe
conditions in and around your home
You
can prevent the incidence of falling by making adjustments to your home as well
as changing your lifestyle habits- including things like ensuring you eat well,
stay reasonably fit, and use whatever devices you might need to help keep you
safe.
Walsh’s
Health & Lifestyle Centre can help with the selection of devices and
products which can improve safety conditions in your home. Minimizing risk of
falling can be as simple as an in-home assessment, or simply visiting us to discuss
your needs, and get help with device selection.
Here
are some thoughts to help keep you safe from falls:
In the Bathroom
·
Use
a non-slip rubber bath for the tub and shower. Install the mat when the tub is
dry;
·
Install
grab-bars by the toilet and bath to help you sit and stand;
·
Use
a bath stool in the shower, and a raised toilet seat, if needed;
·
Wipe
up any moisture or spills right away.
In
the Kitchen:
·
Store
kitchen supplies, pots and pans in easy-to-reach locations;
·
Store
heavier items in lower cupboards to ease lifting;
·
Use
a stable step stool with safety rail for reaching high places; consider a
reacher-grabber to help reaching out-of-reach items;
·
Use
jar openers to assist sealed containers.
In
the Living Room/Bedroom
·
Consider
using bed side rails to help getting in and out of bed, and also to prevent actually
falling out of bed;
·
Ensure
obstacles are removed to ensure safe movement throughout your home;
·
Install
nightlights and improve general room lighting;
·
Consider
an over-bed table, or a chair-assist table;
·
Eliminate
any tripping hazards, like scatter mats; clutter and loose wires/cords or other
obstacles.
Around Stairways
·
Ensure
stairways are well lit, and railings are secure
Use devices that can help you keep safe
and active. Consider using a Walker or Cane, making sure it the correct height
and has a unworn rubber cane tip for safety. If outside walking on ice or
packed snow, consider using shoe grippers, or an ice-cap for your cane.
If you need help, visit Walsh’s Health
& Lifestyle Centre and ask one of our health care specialists for guidance
in helping with device selection. Your visit could help make your life safer
and easier. Our flyers, and in-store offerings, typically address many of those
physical and personal care needs for those living independently at home. And
remember…if we don’t have it, we can special order it for you.
Everyone,
no matter what age group, or stage of life, wants to enjoy as comfortable and
as safe, healthy and as active a lifestyle (as much as possible, anyway), as
best they can. But, they don’t always know what assistive devices and/or
services which might be available, and helpful to them.
Why
not take the time during November; visit one of our 3 locations, and see what’s
available to make life more comfortable, safer in your home. Ask one of our
Health Care Specialists for assistance. We’re here for you…
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