Fall Prevention Devices That Support Senior Safety in Trinity, FL
The CDC says that falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults aged 65 and older, and this number is only increasing. Younger people may trip over a rug and think nothing of it, but that can be a literal death trap for older adults.
You can make things safer by tidying up homes and ensuring that everything's adequately lit. But to make things extra secure, you should use fall prevention devices. With a varied approach to senior safety in Trinity, FL, you'll significantly decrease your chances of falling.
Read on to see which devices are available in senior living communities so you know what to expect.
Cane
It's important for seniors to stay active, as it'll help with strength and stability. However, not every older adult is able-bodied enough to support themselves, and even walking around can raise their fall risk.
A simple yet essential fall prevention device is a cane. This aid offers balance support, which can give seniors added confidence when walking or transitioning from seated to standing.
There are two types you can use: straight or quad. If you only need minimal support, then opt for the former since they're lightweight and unobtrusive.
Quad canes have a wider base, and as the name suggests, it has four contact points. This gives you increased stability, which is ideal for uneven surfaces or when greater support is needed.
Walker
As far as mobility aids for older adults go, walkers are also popular. They provide solid support with four points of ground contact.
Most older seniors choose to get a standard walker, which requires lifting with each step. This is best for short distances and indoor use.
There are also wheeled walkers, which are also known as rollators. These allow for easier movement across longer distances, and they often have brakes and seats for rest. Some models also have a storage basket, so you can bring your items easily without the need for a bulky bag.
Make sure that if you use a walker, it's adjusted to the proper height (handles at wrist level). This will result in optimal posture and safety.
Grab Bars
One of the most commonly seen aging-in-place tools is grab bars. These are essential anchored safety aids, and typically, you'll find them in the bathroom. They're installed around:
- Tubs
- Showers
- Near toilets
Considering that the bathroom is a high-risk wet area, grab bars are really handy. They provide firm support when transitioning in the bathroom.
Grab bars should only be installed by professionals. This not only ensures that the grab bars can handle the right weight and force, but also that they're installed at accessible heights. That way, they can properly assist with balance and reduce slipping risk.
Raised Toilet Seat With Armrests
A clever idea for senior apartment design that supports comfort and safety is the raised toilet seat with armrests.
Because the standard toilet seat's height is raised, this minimizes the need to bend too deeply. With a standard toilet seat, this can trigger instability or even falls.
The armrests are a nice feature too, as older adults can feel completely comfortable while on the toilet. But more importantly, they aid with sitting down and standing up. This is especially helpful for seniors who have joint pain or limited lower-body strength.
Shower/Tub Seat With Handheld Shower Wand
According to UCLA Health, 80% of falls in the home occur in the bathroom. Considering that the shower/tub is the wettest and most slippery area in the bathroom, you'll want to do your best to mitigate fall risks as best as you can.
One option is to eliminate standing while cleaning yourself. This is possible with a shower or tub seat, which allows you to bathe safely while seated. This will significantly reduce the risk of slipping on wet surfaces.
The best option is to have a portable seat that can be moved to where you need it. Combine it with grab bars, and you'll be extra secure.
Having a handheld shower wand is beneficial too. That way, you have more control over the areas you're washing on your body, but without having to stand up.
Non-Slip Treads and Mats
Non-slip treads and mats are also excellent for fall prevention, especially for memory care safety. Seniors with cognitive impairments are usually at a higher risk of falling, so these treads and mats significantly reduce the risk of slipping.
The difference between the two is that treads often use textured adhesive material, while mats have rubberized, non-slip backing.
Whichever you choose, they're essential in areas prone to wetness or high foot traffic, such as:
- Stairs
- Showers
- Floors
When using treads and mats, remove loose rugs while you're at it.
Emergency Call Systems
Any good assisted living fall protection plan accounts for actual falls happening. After all, even the best plans aren't foolproof, so you need to be prepared.
In the case of senior living communities, there are 24-hour emergency call systems. These can either be integrated into the community or provided personally to residents.
The community integration system is usually found in rooms. The way to send an alert out is to either press a button or pull a string.
Personal emergency call systems come in the form of pendants or bracelets. Seniors can wear them, and if they ever fall, they can call for assistance with just one touch.
Consider These Fall Prevention Devices
You may be considering the transition from living at home to residing in a senior living community. But you may be worried about how safe and secure you'll feel.
The good news is that we have various fall prevention devices in our residences to reduce your fall risk. And if anything ever happens, you can count on our 24-hour emergency call system to get you prompt help when you need it.
Contact us today if you want more information about senior living in Trinity, FL. Discovery Village Trinity has gourmet chef's kitchens in every apartment, so you can prep your meals like a pro.