FEATURE On Your Feet
Everyone has the right to feel safe and comfortable in their own home – whether they’re receiving care or not. According to the NHS, one in three adults over the age of 65 who live at home will have at least one fall a year. Helping Hands Homecare look at what can be done to help those in this situation.
Whilst visiting family this spring, it is worth bearing in mind the potential risk factors that can affect your loved one’s safety. Preventing slips, trips and falls in the home can be made easier by being aware of several environmental and health- related hazards.
So, let’s take a look at what to look out for.
Around the House Loose rugs, uneven or slippery surfaces, poor lighting, trailing wires, chairs and beds that are too high or too low down, lots of clutter, lack of safety rails, and even pets all pose potential hazards. If your loved one finds it difficult to stand up or sit down, then it’s worth contacting an Occupational Therapist to assess as this can easily be resolved with the correct equipment, e.g. bed/chair raisers. If there are pets in the house, they could be shut in a different room whilst your loved one is mobilising to stop them getting under their feet. Are your loved one’s clothes comfortable and well-fitting? Shoes that offer little support or grip can also be a risk factor.
Health Conditions It is important to take into account conditions that affect mobility like osteoporosis and Parkinson’s disease, poor vision, auditory impairment, continence problems, UTIs, dizziness, cognitive impairment, and certain medications, all of which can affect the risk of falling.
Behaviour Behaviours like getting up in the middle of the night, consuming excess
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amounts of alcohol, over stretching or reaching, and rushing to answer the telephone or door can also increase susceptibility to falls.
So, How Can I Help? For an older person or an individual with a particular health condition, the consequences of a fall can be life-changing. Physical discomfort and pain, long-term disability, decreased mobility, loss of confidence and fear of falling again
“Preventing slips, trips and falls in the home can be made easier by being aware of
several environmental and health-related hazards.”
can all have an enormous impact on someone’s life – but by reducing risks, they can be prevented.
As a family member, you can check that your loved one’s home environment is free from obstacles and that furniture, rugs and wires don’t obstruct routes from room to room, particularly those that may be trodden on in the dark – such as the hallway between the bedroom and the bathroom. Small, simple changes and adaptations can make the world of difference.
You can also help your loved one to prevent or treat osteoporosis by helping them plan meals rich in calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for healthy bones. Regular, gentle exercise is also fundamental – you could go out for a family walk, go swimming, or find a local dancing class to attend together.
Want to learn more? Helping Hands Homecare have plenty more advice to help families keep their loved ones safe in the home.
www.helpinghandshomecare.co.uk www.tomorrowscare.co.uk
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