Grab bars placed in bathrooms and showers can be helpful, however we spend the time to find the root source of the problem instead of just providing one size fits all items. There are countless products on the market that are available to help with safety and fall prevention. They range from simple and inexpensive to high tech and costly. These are some of my personal recommendations for inexpensive/easy to use items that will give you some big bang for your buck! Once we meet and discuss your personal needs, I can tailor fit items that will work best for YOU!
General safety includes having a way to contact 911 or family members in an emergency. This tool allows someone to have their phone on them and hands free at all times, even in the shower where falls are likely to occur!
Is respiratory function a concern? Low blood oxygen levels can cause fatigue and dizziness, leading to falls. Look at this simple device!
Changes in blood pressure can be a significant risk factor for falls. It’s a good idea to check your blood pressure daily, especially if you are already on medications to control it.
Changes in weight can be indicative of many health conditions. It’s a good idea to weigh yourself daily and notify your doctor right away with abnormal trends, especially rapid fluctuations!
A classic caregiver item is the gait belt. It allows you to provide physical assistance as needed as well as to provide stability while walking. let me teach you how to use this the RIGHT way!
Preventing falls by avoiding reaching items on the floor or in an upper cabinet is easy! Having a reacher in more than one room is ideal so you don’t have to go searching for it.
When a fall with a hip fracture has already occurred, you may want to consider hip protectors a s a backup plan. There are many options. These are especially helpful when there isn’t a lot of muscle/soft tissue to protect bony prominences.
Don’t get caught going to the restroom in the dark! We use our vision tremendously to help us with balance. Falls at night when headed to the restroom are all too common. These have motion sensors and should be placed in multiple locations along your path from bedside to the restroom itself.
