fall prevention

Statistically, the result of a fall can be a profound and life changing event. Unfortunately for older adults, falls are a leading factor for entry into a skilled nursing facility. Please don't underestimate the importance of protecting yourself from slip and fall accidents in your home. Especially in the bathroom, shower and stairs where most falls occur.. Some of the best tools in fall prevention are the addition of grab bars and hand railings as they provide stability in the most dangerous environments. Prevent falls and add stability now...Call SAFETYGRAB today!

here are some startling statistics

One out of three adults age 65 and older fall each year and half of those fall more than once.
More than half of all falls occur in the home.
Falls in the bathroom and on stairs are responsible for more injuries than anywhere else at home.
A senior falls every 21 seconds resulting in more than 1.5 million falls per year.
The chances of falling and being seriously injured increase with age. In 2009, adults 85 and older were four times as likely to fall as age 65 to 74.
87% of all fractures in older adults are caused by falls.
Falls are the most common cause of hospital admissions for trauma among seniors.
Falls are the leading cause of death by accidental injury among people 65 and older.
In 2017 , over 37,000 older adults died from unintentional fall injuries.
In 2013, 2.5 million non-fatal fall injuries among older adults weretreated in emergency rooms and more than 734,000 of these patients were hospitalized.
20 to 30% of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as fractures of the spine, hip, forearm, hand, pelvis, leg, ankle and head trauma.
Falls account for 25% of all hospital admissions and 40% of all nursing home admissions. of Almost half of those admitted do not return to independent living and 25% pass away within one year.

fall prevention checklist

The risk of falling increases with age and most are health related changes such as medications, slow reflexes, poor eyesight and balance problems. Dangerous situations in the home include slippery floors in the bath and shower, poor lighting, electrical wires and cords in pathways, loose rugs, raised thresholds and clutter. Almost all falls occur in the bathroom, on stairs and in the bedroom. Use this checklist to help understand and minimize the risk of falling at home.

approach to house

Park as close to your door as you can.
Be sure there is a clear pathway from the car to the door.
Make sure the surface of the pathway is smooth and doesn't have any cracks, uneven steps or obstructions. Remove snow and ice, if present.
Make sure there is a good light to show you the way to the door.
If you have stairs do you have handrails? Are they steady and secure?
The door should also be easy to open and close.

bathroom

Do you have grab bars inside and outside the shower and by the toilet? If you do not, call SAFETYGRAB today for professional installation and we will be there pronto.
Do not use towel bars as grab bars when drying off as they are typically not strong enough to hold your weight and may pull out resulting in a fall..
Make sure to use non-slip bath mats or adhesive strips in the tub or shower.
Consider whether a tub/shower chair and hand held shower is needed, especially if you feel unsteady.
Make sure there is good lighting and install a nightlight to help see when it's dark.
Be sure you remove slippery area rugs.
Have a Carex hinged toilet elevator along with a Carex toilet safety frame and grab bar installed if your having difficulty sitting down or standing.
Always make sure the pathway to the bathroom is clear of any clutter .

stairs and steps

Remove any clutter on stairs including books, laundry, etc..
Be sure the stairway is well lit. Replace dull light bulbs.
Repair and broken or loose steps, handrails and carpeting.
Have SAFETYGRAB install a second handrail if there is only one or strategically placed grab bars for extra confidence, safety and stability.
Install glowing light switches at the top and bottom.
Apply a bright colored reflective tape on the edges of each step or at the top and bottom if eyesight is poor.
Keep a flashlight close to the bed within easy reach.

general safety

Have smoke and carbon detectors in place and check batteries annually.
Use canes and walkers even if you don't think you need them. Prevent falls.
Wear rubber soled shoes on slippery floors.
Keep flashlights in multiple rooms for easy access. Buy extra batteries.
Always review medications with your doctor or pharmacist.
Have your eyesight and hearing checked. Vision problems make it difficult to see potential fall hazards and inner ear issues can affect balance.
Exercise regularly to improve balance, flexibility, strength and overall well being.
If you feel dizzy, grab on to something immediately and sit down. Allow enough time for it to clear.

Safetygrab

cHICAGOLAND'S BEST CHOICE FOR GRAB BAR INSTALLATION Since 2013 847-873-4722