Fall Prevention is Everyone’s Business

Each year, it is estimated that one in every four older people will have a fall, according to the Queensland Government.

A fall can be a frightening moment for both the individual and their family members. While anyone can have a trip up from time to time, it’s important to take the appropriate measures to support those for whom a fall can be a more serious matter.

Minimising falls in the home

Various health and environmental factors may contribute to the risk of a fall. In many cases, a fall can be predicted and as a result, minimised through careful management and vigilance.

This can be achieved by identifying hazards in the home environment. Here are some important questions you may want to ask when assessing a home for a fall hazard:

  • Are the floors clear of items which could potentially be tripped over (i.e. shoes, toys, pillows, blankets)?
  • Are loose rugs secured to the floor with slip resistant backing?
  • Are everyday items easily accessed without needing to climb, stretch or overreach?
  • Are nonslip mats and grab bars used in bathroom areas such as in the shower and near the toilet?

Establish a falls management plan

Although the above important steps will help to minimise a fall at home, a fall could still occur. This is why establishing a falls management plan is important. A falls management plan is a plan that determines how the person who fell will access and receive help.

If a fall does occur in the home, immediate contact with a relative or the local emergency service may be necessary. Personal medical alarms are one option for ensuring there is quick and immediate access to help.

A falls management solution revolving around a medical alarm can monitor various sensors around the home. When a sensor detects a possible problem, such as a fall, or inactivity for an extended period of time, it automatically activates the alarm unit to dial a 24-hour emergency monitoring centre. A care consultant can then speak to the client and identify and organise the appropriate assistance.

Additionally, a client can manually activate a call for assistance any time of the day or night via a personal pendant worn around the neck, and wall pendants located in high-risk areas such as the bathroom. These manual triggers provide peace of mind to clients, and their family, friends and carers, and offers reassurance that help is always available.

So assess your home for hazards and establish your falls management plan. This may give you and your loved one peace of mind that should a fall occur, the best possible plan is in place.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Creating Customer Loyalty Through Digital Health

Healthcare is a growing sector that is taking on the digital market with new technologies.  And with the evolution of digital health, earning consumer loyalty is now more important than ever. One of the sectors that are seeing this increasing growth is aged care. Consumers of aged care – older people and their families –... Read More

6 things you probably didn’t know about home aged care work

Home care workers are essential – allowing nearly one million older Australians to remain at home – yet their working conditions are some of the poorest in the country. Read More

WWII nurse Liz Astley, 98, will wear her medals proudly this Remembrance Day

  Liz Astley, 98, served as a nurse during World War II. She has shared her story with HelloCare. “I was nursing in the Pacific 2nd 6th AGH – Australia General Hospital. Coincidentally my Father was injured at Gallipoli in the first world war and he ended up convalescing in the AGH.  “We spent some... Read More
Advertisement