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The most common reason for the elderly entering an aged care residential facility is the result of a fall. In light of this, the best thing to do is ensure you reduce the risk of falls in the home.
So here are our top 5 tips to help reduce the risk of falling in the home.
1. Lighting
Make sure your parent’s home is well lit and the lighting is bright. Also we recommend having sensor lights at entrance ways, in the bedroom, hall and bathroom especially if they are getting up at night.
2. Sensible shoes
Well-fitted shoes will assist with balance and walking. Try to avoid your parent wearing slip-on footwear. Encourage your parent to have a discussion with their podiatrist on their next visit about appropriate footwear. We guarantee high heels will not be on the recommended list.
3. Rails and ramps
Having secured equipment (rails and handles) will assist your parent with getting up from the toilet, handles by steps will provide security when going up and down, and ramps will allow walkers to be used. It might be an idea to have an Occupational Therapist come and do a review of your parent’s home.
4. Use that walking aid
A walking stick, crutch, walker or wheelchair are not fashion statements; they are aides to assist with safe ambulation so remind your parent to use their aide.
5. Rip out the rugs
A trip is often the cause of a fall so consider getting rid of any rugs your parent may have in their home as these can be the greatest trip hazard. Low lying coffee tables can also cause issues.
Photo credit: Interior living room furniture by bedrck on Pixabay
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Good sensible tips!
Unfortunately, repeated falls caused Mum 2 to 3 fractures each time, it was debilitating, it caused pain, urgent ambulance trips to hospitals, lengthy periods of rehab. If falls can be prevented, moving into an Aged Care Facility can be delayed. Our Elderly are far better off in their own home for as long as possible