Falls are a significant concern for the elderly population. Most aged pensioners over the age of 65 years will have at least one fall each year, most often in their own home. Family and aged care facilities must do what they can to prevent falls from occurring in the first place. Falls can result in severe and life-threatening injuries for the aged population from sprains, cuts, bruises, and broken bones. Often the elderly who have experienced a fall will have a loss of confidence, independence and mobility as they become worried they may suffer another fall.
Here are a few pieces of equipment that can be used at home or in facilities to help prevent falls and lower the impact of falls:
Drive tri-fold bedside mat
The bedside fall mat provides extra protection for the elderly in case they fall out of bed. Falling onto the bed mat will lower the impact on the hip, therefore, preventing harsh injuries of the hip and pelvic bones.
You can explain to the elderly it is important to call for help when they need to get in and out of bed. Some aged seniors will refuse to admit they need help and will attempt it themselves. Those who have dementia will forget the warnings and will get up unassisted. Bed sensors can be helpful in this instance. The fall mats are made of high-density foam that has a waterproof cover, so cleaning and disinfecting can be made easy. The mat can fold up into three sections so it can be stored in the cupboard or under the bed. There is a non-skid bottom to ensure the mat doesn’t slip around.
Posey falls prevention socks
Shoes happen to be the safest foot protection. Still, quite often they are heavy, and the elderly prefer to wear socks when inside their home or the care facility. The posey fall socks are comfortable and offer a level of safety. The posey socks will keep feet warm and cosy while giving plenty of traction on slippery surfaces when walking. The socks are suitable for those who have trouble getting in and out of bed, making them less likely to slip and fall. The socks are made with high-quality terry cloth with non-skid treads both underneath and on the top. The socks are stretchy and can even be worn by those who have larger calves and ankles.
Grab bars
Having grab bars is essential to help prevent falls. The bars can be installed in the shower, bathtub, toilet or near steps. The grab bars are made out of steel with a textured surface to allow for a better grip. Grip bars come in different sizes to meet the individual needs. Grab bars can provide much-needed support without taking up too much room. The bars are only screwed in so they can be uninstalled when they are no longer needed.
Having different aids to prevent falls can give the elderly more confidence in their home or the care facility and offer more independence. You can contact the local aid shop in your area to see what else is available that is suited to your elderly loved one to help prevent falls and slips. Depending on the circumstances, most can be installed for you at a cheap rate. Some aids can also be hired out if you only need them for a short time.
Other Equipment
Other equipment that could prove useful include pressure relief cushions, walking sticks to improve stability and other types of mobility aids. It is important to invest in equipment that will improve the quality of life for the elderly as well as provide peace of mind for family members.
