Last month's article shared how to assess your home or your relative's home in order to address safety and fall prevention. To reiterate a few important points, it is crucial to observe the home and step outside the box in order to implement fall prevention strategies and to create a safer environment.

So how does a caregiver do this? This article, will dive deeper into some helpful resources aimed to improve the safety and mobility of your loved one. Contacting your local durable medical equipment provider is always a great place to start. It can get tricky, as some items are covered by insurance, and others may not be. In some instances, a more reasonable option may be to purchase an item on Amazon, or to go to the local Goodwill store, drug store, or ask family and friends if they have

any extra equipment.

The MOST important thing to remember is that new equipment is safest when you are trained by a professional on how to use it properly and safely. This article provides insight into resources, but it is important that when introducing something new to an elderly person, the client or the caregiver must be trained to use the equipment properly, in order to reduce the chance of unwanted falls.

SAFE AT HOME : SIMPLE TIPS FOR GENERAL HOME SAFETY

Some items discussed below can be purchased and used immediately without risk, but most would be safer with a professional consultation from a home physical or occupational therapist. This is especially true if your family member is going home after being in the hospital or rehab and has a change in functioning or cognition. It is always better to err on the side of caution and have a professional complete a home safety assessment. You will need a referral from your family member's physician or the treating physician in the hospital or rehab. These discussions should be initiated prior to your loved one being discharged to go home. Typically you would be in contact with the social worker for these conversations.

STAIRS

• stair glide can be a great option.
  • A stair glide serves as a great option for a senior to move between the floors of their house with greater ease.
  • This is especially true if there is no bathroom on the first floor, and if they still like to sleep on the second floor.
  • There are width restrictions that need to be taken into consideration to see if it is feasible to install.
  • There are several options if you research online. Some can be rented, instead of purchased.
  • It is important to have a representative from a stair glide company come out and do a home assessment, measurement, and review options.

COMMODE VERSUS RAISED TOILET SEAT

(Should be trained by a professional)

You may want to consider one of these options if your loved one:

• Just returned from the hospital or rehab.
• Struggles getting on and off the toilet.
• Has any surgical precautions.
• Has a far distance from bed to bathroom.
• Has to go to the bathroom in the middle of night.
• Has a very low toilet.
• Has had a medical or cognitive decline.

Remember, a general rule of thumb is that is it much easier for a person to get up from a higher surface, as long as their feet safely touch the ground.

• Commode
  • Typically covered by insurance
  • Great option to be placed next to the bed. Te bucket underneath can be emptied by a caregiver.
  • It is a safer option if your loved one gets up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.
  • It can be placed over the toilet. The bucket is removed and the frame can provide an elevated height and arm rests for easier getting on and off the toilet.
• Raised Toilet Seat
  • It can just be a "donut" or can have handles.
  • It is typically not covered by insurance, and can be purchased at a drug store. It is best to get one with handles for safer getting on and off the toilet.

LIFE ALERT

(Instructions provided upon installation)

• Life alert is a very important component of fall prevention, especially if your loved one lives alone.
• There are many different plans out there, so you may have to do some research. Most companies charge you a monthly fee, but it is so important to have the peace of mind to know that if your loved one has fallen and is not near a phone, the life alert can be activated and emergency services can come to help. There are too many stories of elderly people falling and lying on the floor for hours prior to receiving assistance.

Make sure your loved one wears the life alert at all times and understands how it works