Expansion into new territories for GoodOaks Homecare - Aylesbury
Read
Falls are perhaps the biggest risk that older people face in the home. In fact, according to the NHS, one in three people over the age of 65 will have a fall at home each year. Statistics show that falls are sadly the most common cause of injury-related deaths in people over the age of 75.
Having a Live-in care professional come and stay with you, in the home that you love, can dramatically reduce the chances of falls and injury and an overnight stay at Royal Sussex County Hospital! Live-in Care provides you the support you need to live independently and safely at home and is designed to work around you, your life preferences, having a really positive impact on your life.
We have put together some handy tips here that we hope will be useful fall prevention:
- Don’t rush – Falls often happen when people are rushing to answer the phone. If you’re worried about missing a phone call, you’ll move faster than you normally would. Instead of rushing, get a cordless phone that you can keep nearby. Alternatively, let the call go to voicemail and give the person a call back.
- Wear non-slip footwear – This is especially important on hard surfaces like lino, tiles, or wooden flooring. If you don’t want to wear shoes inside, invest in a good pair of slippers or house shoes. Choose sturdy soles with a good grip to avoid slipping over.
- Make sure your floors are well lit (including night lights if needed) and clear of obstacles – Common trip hazards include rugs and shoes left on the floor. You can tape rugs down to stop them from moving when you walk on them. Put shoes away in a cupboard or shoe rack as soon as you take them off.
- If you have stairs, use the bannister when climbing or descending – If you only have a bannister on one side, we’d recommend installing another one so you can hold on with both hands. Alternatively, if you’re struggling with the stairs in general, consider a stairlift.
- If you use a walking stick or frame, use it at all times – Don’t rely on holding on to furniture for balance. It can give way, or you can lose grip which might cause a fall.
- Try to stay active – Regular exercise will help you to maintain your fitness, balance, and coordination. Exercise needn’t be strenuous; a gentle walk can have a huge effect on your overall health and well-being and you can take advantage of the fresh air too. Being so close to the sea, why not take a stroll along the flat promenade of Brighton seafront! You can even exercise while sitting down at home including a number of stretches and seating leg raises.
Tips for bathroom safety
The smallest room can present some of the biggest hazards for older people. The combination of hard, slippery surfaces and water can increase the risk of falls and injuries. On average, we use the bathroom seven times a day. With so many trips to and from the bathroom, it’s important to make things as safe as possible.
Here are a few simple steps you can take to make your bathroom safer:
- If you have a shower over your bath, place a rubber mat in the bathtub to prevent slips.
- Install grab rails in your bathroom. Grab rails by the toilet, shower, and bath can help you keep your balance on slippery surfaces.
- If you struggle with balance, consider investing in a shower seat. These are a great alternative to standing in the shower and minimise the risk of slips.
- Personal alarm, If you have a personal alarm make sure the pendant button is water-resistant. By keeping your pendant on in the bath or shower, you’ll be able to call for help quickly if you need it.
- Speak to your GP – They may be able to recommend exercises to improve your strength and balance or refer you for tests if necessary.
It’s also important to realise that not all falls can be prevented. Accidents can happen but live-in homecare is a solution you can trust. A care professional will stay with you in your home, helping to run your household, providing personal care, home-cooked meals and companionship, they will ensure you are safe and well cared for.
GoodOaks Homecare Sussex South provides premium Visiting and Live-in Homecare you can rely on. Please give us a call to speak with one of our friendly team Tel: 0800 799 9979
