This post is specifically for the senior citizens, on how to prevent avoidable falls.
Falls are common with senior citizens and can cause injury, reduced functionality and more dependence on family.
Fall prevention strategies during quarantine – Modifying the home environment.
- Furniture that obstructs walkways should be re-positioned.
- Provide easy access to their personal items like glasses, hearing aids, water, mobile etc.
- Immediately clean any liquid spills.
- Adjust the chair’s height and firmness with pillows, to assist from sit-to-stand. Arm-rests also help.
- Lights leading to the bathroom, should be kept on at night. Adequate lighting is essential. Both low light and high glare can trouble the eyesight. Choose the one they favour or lastly make do with what you have for now.
- Clear the boxes and shoes from the passages and hallways.
- Loose edges of mats and carpets, electrical/ phone cords should be taped down. Remove unnecessary carpets and mats.
- Dry bathrooms after every use. Use a Bath seat for showering.
- Use any stick/support if required.
- Avoid loose or too long clothes which may trip them.
- Provide a call bell/clicker or anything as an alarm. Be resourceful with what you have at home.
- Keep a torch handy next to them, in-case of any power cuts.
This is list has been shortened focusing on quarantine life. There are a lot more precautions that can be taken both indoors and outdoors. Shall cover it separately post quarantine.
Physical activity and a guided exercise regime can promote the ability to avoid falling or to catch oneself In time.
With each fall that is prevented, all
their family members will benefit.
Stay safe at home and make the home safe for the elderly.
Warm regards,
Abhishek Bangera and team.