Dangerous Fall Risks - Help Remove Them

We don't fall because we get older. It is not an automatic condition or outcome of aging. We fall because we lack strength or agility, we may be dizzy, or we may trip over something. These causes of falls are known as risk factors. As the number of risk factors rise, so does the potential for falling.

Although no single risk factor causes all falls, the greater the number of risk factors to which an individual is exposed, the greater the probability of a fall and the more likely the results of the fall will be quite serious and thereby threaten the person's independence. Most seniors, even elderly seniors, want to remain in the home they are in now. So it is extremely important to remove as many fall risk factors in the home as possible.

When an elderly person falls it can result in injuries that are much more serious than injuries suffered by young people. A hip fracture or a head injury in a senior can easily lead to death within a few months.

Seniors know that falling is dangerous for them. As a result, many seniors have a serious fear of falling.

If an injury from a fall is serious it can lead to more daily living care services being required and possibly require a change in where an elderly person lives. Most seniors want to live in their own home (house or apartment) for as long as possible.

A serious injury from a fall can mean a person is wheelchair bound for many months or the rest of life. And such an injury can mean moving from a house or apartment to an assisted living care facility, maybe even a nursing home.

Most falls occur in the home. This is why it is important to ensure that any risks that could lead to a fall are removed or reduced.

• You will have an organized Guide to follow making your time on the job more effective.
• You will be able to remove some fall hazards immediately.
• You will know exactly what equipment you want to install on the next trip.
• You will know how to implement these changes in the most cost-effective way.
• You will know your favorite senior is much safer in their own home now.
• You will know your favorite senior will sleep better, live better and feel secure knowing a number of fall risks have been removed from their home.

Supplies

• Note book or clip pad and paper
• Pen or pencil
• Measuring tape
• Post-it notes

Time required – 3 hrs or less

Take a morning or an afternoon to help the senior in your life look carefully around their home and make a note of any changes or adjustments needed to make and keep their home safe.

Items you may want to buy:

• Non-slip floor wax

• Double-sided tape for loose carpets

Items you may want to buy:

• Light bulbs:
  You can never have too many spare light bulbs. Energy-savers are the best.
• Materials to repair steps, if required:
  If your senior's steps are wood, you may want to add some non-slip treads.
• Additional handrail(s):
  If there is only one hand rail, you may want to install another. If you are installing yourself, make sure the handrail is not too far from the wall. You do not want someone able to fit their arm between the wall and the handrail. It could be broken so use care.

Assistive Devices to consider:

• Easy-lift chair:
  Easy lift chair in assorted colors - a great gift for your favorite senior.
  
  
• Swivel cushion for favorite chair in dining room, kitchen or car:
  Swivel seat allows individual to turn up to 360 degrees. Makes getting on or off a seat or chair much easier. Durable and stable, with a 300 lb. Weight Capacity.
  
  
• Cord Protector:
  If it is not possible to keep cords entirely out of the way, a cord protector could be used to keep cords tight against the floor (wall). The cord protector should not be used in walkways, hallways or high traffic areas.

Assistive Devices to consider:

• Reacher:
  Easy to use, picks up items from floor, has a magnetic tip for picking up things like keys, picks up light weight items from high shelf. Light weight. Durable. Comfortable in the hand.
  
  
• Lazysusan/cabinet turntable:
  Non-skid cabinet turntables come in multiple sizes to fit every need. Outer rim prevents items from falling off. Durable, non-skid pad helps
  hold items in place, and is easy to clean.
  
  
• Step stool with support rail:
  Reach up to higher shelves without concern of losing your balance.
  
  
• Cane with seat:
  With an attractive matte bronze finish, the Tri-Seat features a foam grip handle, comfortable formed seat and is fully adjustable. Easily folds up for use as a cane. May be all you need when doing dishes or stirring a pot on the stove.

• Island safety pole:
  The ultimate in Kitchen (or bathroom) safety and convenience. 360 degrees of support! User weight Capacity: 300lbs/136kg - Tray weight capacity: 15lbs/7kg. Free Shipping.

Assistive Devices to consider:

• Lantern or flashlight for when power goes out:
  Three modes of lighting: high, low, and strobe. Easy to find in the dark -- small green light indicates where it is when not on.
  
  
• Bed lift bar:
  The subtle bed lift bar is strong and handy while not looking like hospital equipment. Holds items like pens, paper, books. remote control.
  
  
• Bed table:
  This sturdy and attractive table adjusts to the perfect height and tilt to make it perfect for reading or writing in bed. Add a Kindle for maximum enjoyment.
  
  

• Eyeglass holder for bedside:
  The plush lined eyeglass holder comes in tapestry or black and is perfect for holding glasses without scratching them. Easy access in the middle of the night.

Assistive Devices to consider:

• Non-slip bath mat for inside tub or shower is vitally important if you are standing in a tub or shower.
• Memory foam bath mat for outside tub or shower is comfortable and safe with a non-skid backing.
• Hand-held shower with 2 mounts allows you to use shower standing up or sitting down in tub/shower.
• Grab bars should be installed by a professional, or ensure that the bars are firmly mounted. Grab bars must be mounted so that they do not come away from walls or tub and should be the right height for a senior.
• Bath/shower seat or transfer seat. Using either a seat inside the tub or a transfer seat is ideal if you have difficulty getting into or out of the tub/shower. A transfer seat should be facing the taps so ensure the transfer part is on the correct side of the seat.
• Raised toilet seat with arms will make getting on or off the toilet much easier. One with arms is more comfortable and feels more secure. These are easy to clean.
• Grab bar and alarm system for bathroom. This particular alarm system can be located in any room but is best suited to the bathroom. This should not be the only grab bar in the tub or shower. The alarm part of the system can be removed and worn around the neck when bathing. It makes a loud noise when rung to alert neighbors. It is not part of a call alert system.
  
  

Items you may want to buy:

• Small bench for entrance way:
  Having a small bench with room for shoes and boots where you can put on and take off indoor and outdoor footwear is perfect.
  
  
• Non-slip mat or runner for inside:
  This non-slip mat is a good idea for your entrance way or could be used in kitchen or by the bed.
  
  
• No-slip ice & snow carpet for outside:
  When the snow has finished falling these outdoor carpets are ideal for slippery steps or walkways.

1. Listen to the senior you are helping.
   
   • If you listen very carefully to what your senior is saying, you will be able to much better understand what needs they have and what is important to them.
     
     
2. Take extra time to "visit" with them.
   
   • Grandma may want to make a pot of tea and visit with you. Try not to be too impatient with her because you want to get on with the important project.
     
     
3. Take time to understand any concerns they may have about your making changes in their home.
   
   • Some seniors do not like changes. It is a disruption and can confuse or overwhelm them.
     
     
   • Some seniors may not want you to go to a lot of trouble on their behalf. They may say that things are just fine the way they are now: "If it was good enough for Grandpa, it is good enough for me."
     
     
   • Some seniors absolutely do not want their home to look like a hospital room. So you will need to reinforce the "spa-like" qualities of items you think should be installed.
     
     
   • Some seniors do not have a lot of money and are concerned that what you may want to do for them will cost way too much. Perhaps the family wants to contribute to some assistive devices. Ensure them that they will have the final say about anything you suggest.
     
     
4. Ask them to show you things like:
   
   • how they get in and out of bed
   • how they get in and out of the bath/shower
   • how they get in and out of their easy chair
   • how they work in their kitchen
     
     
5. Ask them if they have any concerns about falling in their home.
   They may say they have no concerns at all. If this is what they say, ask them if they have difficulty standing in the kitchen when making their dinner. Or ask them, if they have difficulty getting into and out of the tub. What they say to these questions will give you very good information about what you will want to include in your recommendations.