Archive for the ‘home safety assessments’ Category

Senior Safety – Top 4 Fall Prevention Tools For Seniors

Monday, May 31st, 2010

Fall prevention is one of the biggest senior safety concerns for the elderly, especially those that live alone. Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes for seniors having to go to the hospital. But there are a number of helpful living aides that will help prevent these accidents. Here are the top 5 senior safety fall prevention tools for the elderly.

Number one on the list for senior safety and fall prevention is a recliner lift chair. Lounging in a recliner can be very comfortable for seniors. But these big chairs are typically very difficult to get out of and even sit down into. If the senior has a lift recliner that can be very helpful and help ensure their safety.

A lift recliner has the ability to raise and tilt to a position where the senior can get in and out of the chair in a standing position. These chairs are electronically operated by a simple hand control. They come in different versions all with different degrees of recline.

Another helpful tool for seniors that will help prevent slip and fall accidents is a walker with wheels. This is also called a rollator.

As a person ages it is a cane that is the first tool to be used for stability when walking. Then as mobility and balance decline further there is a need for a walker. The traditional walker can be a little challenging to use as it must be lifted slightly with each step. A rollator has wheels. Some versions have wheels on all four legs, others have wheels on just one set of the legs.

Some versions of this helpful tool also have hand brakes for added safety. Many also come with a seat so if the user gets tired they can easily sit down for a quick rest.

A stair chair or stair lift can also be a very helpful item that will aid a senior with mobility challenges. Stairs can be especially difficult for an elderly person to manage and that can be a very dangerous place for a fall to occur. A stair lift is built like a chair and it is attached to a rail and transports the senior, in a sitting position, up and down the stairs.

The stair lift is easy to use and can be operated with a simple rocker switch on most versions. For added safety many also come with a seat belt so the user doesn’t have to worry about falling out of the chair.

Many slip and fall accidents occur in the bathroom and that can be a very hazardous place for the elderly. Most everyone knows that there should be railings put in place in showers baths and around toilet areas. But another important tool for seniors in this area of the home is a bath lift.

If the senior has trouble raising and lowering themselves into a bath that is exactly what a bath lift will do for them. Most bath lifts are plastic, though some are inflatable. They are powered by rechargeable battery systems and they are safe to use around the water.

These are all senior safety tools that can be a big help for seniors and keep them falling. If you would like to learn more about the very popular lift recliners you can go here to: Electric Lift Chair. Also, here is where you can go for a great selection in the very popular Recliner Lift Chairs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_S_Myers

HOME SAFE HOME

Monday, October 13th, 2008

As an occupational therapist and mobility specialist, I am often asked by my fellow boomers – How do I keep mom and/or dad safe in their home? According to a research study performed by the Home Safety Council on preventable injuries in the home, they found that preventable injuries:
- Result in nearly 20,000 deaths annually
- Cause nearly 21 million medical visits
- Cost our nation $380 billion dollars
The #1 risk for an independent living senior is a fall, which can ultimately lead to placement in a long-term care facility. While aging in place is the primary goal of most seniors, it just makes sense to take steps to enhance the safety and accessibility of one’s home.

There are a number of checklists for home safely available today. These may be helpful in making the environment safer. Unfortunately, they are not very helpful when it comes to identifying unsafe practices and the need for adaptive equipment and training for that equipment.

An occupational therapist has received specialized training in home and client assessment. A home safety assessment can benefit a senior by:
- Identifying in-home hazards
- Identifying unsafe practices
- Helping to determine the proper amount of assistance needed in the home
- Providing recommendations for equipment and referrals for supportive services
- Providing caregivers and clients with training on safe transfers, etc.

These assessments are relatively economical and may prolong safety, independence and happiness.

Submitted by Laura Noblitt, OTR, DRS Senior Driving & Mobility Services, LLC