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There are so many gardening benefits for those with disabilities and seniors, including a sense of purpose and fresh produce. Consider creating more access to a green space in honor of Garden Meditation Day on May 3^rd, 2018.  

With spring weather comes gardening season; do you know a senior that likes to garden? There are so many benefits for people to engage in this pastime, and physical limitations should not impede you in getting out, gardening, and growing something! Talk to your provider about how mobility devices can make your outdoor spaces more accessible and convenient.

Gardening benefits those with disabilities in a myriad of ways:

Do you spend any time outside gardening? Even if you lack the green space to have a large plot of produce or plants, you can still observe Garden Meditation Day May 3rd this year. Take part in cultivating or nurturing a living thing – like a potted plant, windowsill herb garden, or window-box of flowers – and see how spending time in the garden can benefit you in a myriad of ways.

Some gardening perks include:

• Physical fitness. Gardening is an enjoyable form of exercise for all fitness levels, that gets seniors up and out of the home regularly.

• Fosters flexibility. Getting down and in the dirt increases mobility and flexibility. It can help work tired or aching joints, which may ward-off some types of arthritis.

• Motivates movement. Gardening encourages the use of all motor skills, again, keeping joints and muscles limber and flexible.

• Enhances endurance. Daily gardening chores can improve your endurance and build strength over time.

• Wards-off illness. Regular activity, like gardening, helps prevent diseases like osteoporosis, which can have debilitating physical impacts on a senior.

• Reduces stress. Spending time in the garden is peaceful and it reduces stress levels. Furthermore, it promotes relaxation, which can help with mood, sleep, and overall well-being.

• Encourages a new hobby. Gardening provides stimulation and can inspire an interest in nature and the outdoors. A new hobby is a healthy coping strategy, particularly for aging individuals.

• Facilitates socialization. Another perk of gardening is that it facilitates social interactions with others. This Improves well-being as people are inherently social creatures. When many seniors may isolate or withdraw, gardening can engage them with other like-minded individuals.

• Supplies produce. A thriving garden can provide nutritious, home-grown produce. This is a win-win situation all the way around!

• Offers a sense of purpose. Taking care of a garden can offer a sense of purpose to aging people that may feel estranged or disenfranchised. Taking care and nurturing something else, like a plant or a pet, can give many seniors the motivation and reason to get out of bed each day.

Making adaptations for the gardener

Perhaps an additional benefit of gardening is that it is feasible for adjustments and adaptations to equipment and tools for the gardener. This extends to raised planters, vertical beds, and trellis gardens; some garden retailers offer retractable hanging baskets and pots on casters to increase ease for gardeners with physical limitations. Some other tips to encourage seniors to garden include:

• Wrap tools with foam and heavy-duty tape to improve grip and make them easier to handle.
• Look for lightweight, plastic gardening tools for increased ease.
• Make sure to provide a shady spot for taking breaks when gardening in hot weather.
• Rig up a tap or hose to make watering convenient and less-hazardous for the gardener.

Staying safe outside

While gardening offers a gamut of benefits, it also merits taking a few safety precautions to reduce the risk of a fall or injury when spending time outside. Some common-sense tips for the would-be gardener include:

• Tend to any cuts, scrapes, or bites immediately to avoid infection.
• Use power tools with care, and according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Clear and maintain paths or walkways that could pose a fall risk.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade when gardening on hot days and use care to prevent dehydration.
• Protect yourself with sunscreen, a brimmed-hat, and long sleeves when gardening outside.
• Always wear gardening gloves when working in the dirt.
• Skip the cocktails; alcohol can be a diuretic which can make you more vulnerable to dehydration and heat.

Don’t forget about Gardening Meditation Day this May 3^rd, 2018 – get outside and plant a pot, bed, or bounty of fresh flowers, greens, produce, and herbs this summer! If you – or someone you care about – lives with physical disabilities or limitations, talk to the experts about how mobility aids can improve accessibility and enhance the overall quality of life today. A team of mobility experts is waiting to assess, evaluate, and offer solutions that can resume independence and freedom to everyday living.

Honoring our service personnel on Silver Star Service Banner Day demonstrates an empathy and awareness for seniors, and anyone living with a physical limitation or disability. Make a tradition of paying homage to these heroic citizens by recognizing and commemorating May 1^st, this year.

Spring is a time to pay gratitude to those that have served; Silver Star Service Banner Day is the perfect way to recognize and say ‘thanks’ to military personnel and those that have served. This also demonstrates the merits of mobility devices and aids to ensure the quality of life and autonomy for military personnel living with physical impairments – as well as anyone striving for independence despite disabilities or handicaps.

Honor our service personnel on Silver Star Service Banner Day, May 1^st

Mark your calendars; May 1^st is the day given to acknowledging and paying homage to Silver Star Service Banner Day. This is an excellent opportunity to remind a veteran or service-person of the value of their contributions and to further show that their sacrifices were not in vain. Whether you mark the grave of a decedent with flowers or a flag, or you take a retired veteran to lunch, do something to show an appreciation for those in the armed forces. This Silver Star Service Banner Day.

What is Silver Star Service Banner Day?

May 1st is Silver Star Service Banner Day, a time to recognize those who have been awarded The Silver Star Medal, remembering the sacrifices of all wounded, aging, and ill veterans. The Silver Star is described as the third-highest military decoration for valor in combat and is typically awarded for life-saving actions during combat.  This special commemorative occasion sheds insight into this prestigious decoration and award, bringing to light the many courageous acts and efforts of military personnel widely

Who is being honored?

The Silver Star is a military decoration for valor and bravery during combat, typically for short-termed and specific acts of courage. By contrast, Silver Star Service Banner Day has been dubbed to recognize not just recipients of this prestigious honor, but also to pay homage to service members that are affected and impacted by combat in the armed services, widely.

How old is this tradition?

The Silver Star award itself is not a new decoration for service personnel, and actually, the first Silver Star was authorized around 1942. According to military resources, it followed an honor known as the Citation Star for military acts during combat.

What is the significance of the Silver Star Banner or flag?

Different colors of Silver Banner flags hold different significances among military personnel and their families; for example, gold signifies the sacrifices made by military families with loved ones serving, deployed, or wounded. Silver represents the gallantry of service personnel, and blue symbolizes hope, which reinforces the positive message of Silver Star Banner Day.

Why now? 

In May of 2010, a Congressional resolution was passed authorizing Silver Star Service Banner Day. It is described as “Official Day to honor wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” Groups and agencies have emerged that dedicate their efforts toward recognizing and assisting sick, disabled, or wounded veterans and their families.

What can you do on Silver Star Service Banner Day?

If you- or your loved one- has been impacted by combat in the armed services, display the Silver Star Service Banner proudly and make a point to celebrate this May 1^st. Check online resources for dates and times of ceremonies, events, and military get-togethers that are happening in your area. Some municipalities may have parades, processions, or proclamations in honor of those who have served. Another way to show gratitude to members of the armed forces? Plan to lay wreaths or flags at military cemeteries in your region.

Contribute to the autonomy of a loved one with mobility aids

Mobility challenges can impact the independence and autonomy of anyone – included wounded or disabled service personnel. Don’t let a physical limitation impede overall quality of life; mobility challenges can erode and compromise the freedom of many, forcing them to live reclusive, isolated, or dependent lifestyles. Talk with the experts at Pacific Mobility for your thorough needs-assessment and to pinpoint the right mobility equipment for your living situation, needs, and budget.

Don’t let someone you love sacrifice the things they enjoy due to a mobility issue or disability and make sure to reach out to beloved veterans to thank them for their service this May, on Silver Star Service Banner Day this year. The differences that mobility aids make in everyday living may seem subtle, but to someone living with limitations, this assistance can preserve autonomy and improve the quality of life—what could be more worthwhile and significant than that?

Making the Home Safer for Seniors and Those with Disabilities, Part 5, focuses on Accessibility Options to Enjoy your Outdoor Areas of the home. Modern technology and medical innovation meld to create mobility aids and equipment that makes the home more accessible, comfortable, and safe.

“Making the Home Safer for Seniors and Those with Disabilities, Part 5” encompasses Accessibility Options to Enjoy Your Outdoor Areas. Increased access and improved autonomy should be the aim when working with consultants and merchants in mobility devices; after all, isn’t it time to fully enjoy your home’s yard, garden, or exterior spaces?

Consider accessibility options to enjoy your outdoor areas

Having full-access around the home includes your exterior spaces; don’t let a physical mobility or disability impede your ability to enjoy and navigate your home, dwelling, or property. Talk to mobility experts about aids and devices that can re-open areas of the home that may have once been difficult to access.

Some spaces and places that are impacted by mobility equipment include:

Patios, gardens, and yards

Want to meander through your yard, visit the garden, or lounge on the patio? Simple ramps can improve access and make it feasible for those utilizing scooters or chairs to access and enjoy their entire property. Ask professionals to install ramps for optimal safety, stability, and to ensure the right pitch; too-shallow and you may not have the room for a ramp, while too-steep prohibits ease and convenience.

Decks and inclines

Depending on your distinct property, there may be elevated areas, like decks, hills, or retaining walls, that are difficult to navigate or traverse. Invest in platform and porch lifts for unadulterated access to these steep or raised spaces. Lifting and lowering, platform lifts make easy work of climbing difficult segments of your property, while also creating a sense of independence that impacts the quality of life.

Swimming pools

Anyone who lives with disabilities or physical limitations may feel that their family swimming pool is off-limits; this is not necessarily the case. Investing in pool lifts ensures you – or your loved one – gets as much enjoyment and utility from the pool as any other member of the family. In fact, swimming is a low-impact exercise that is very good for any person, but perhaps even more advantageous for those with physical issues that restrict other workouts and exercise regimens. A pool lift isn’t for everyone, but after a comprehensive assessment with the mobility experts, it could be just the thing for those looking to improve the overall quality of life and autonomy for the user.

Decks and porches

Got an upstairs space that you want to gain access to? stairlifts are a natural choice, but what about outdoor spaces? stairlifts can be perfect when installed in your home’s exteriors, too. A rooftop patio, a second-floor apartment, an above-garage family space, or an outdoor structure are no longer a challenge with a stairlift. Make sure to buy lifts that are resilient to the elements and intended for outdoor use; your mobility professional will be able to point you in the right direction, as well as arrange and schedule installation time, too.

Cars and trucks

Your car or truck also fall into the outdoor category, as you need to leave the house and have access to getting in and out of the vehicle. Did you know there is a specialized lift just for your cars and trucks? Twenty years ago, it was estimated that nearly 400,000 vehicles were augmented with some sort of adaptive equipment, and this number has only continued to rise. vehicle lifts have helped to liberate and provide a sense of freedom to thousands of Americans every day, freeing up caregivers and lightening the responsibilities of the family; do you ever miss the open-road? Talk to your mobility professional about this option.

Freestanding lifts equate to freedom

For those that want the best of all worlds – the stability of a device and the versatility to use it freely throughout the home — freestanding lifts could be the most practical option. These can easily be moved by a caregiver or loved one to give a bit of assistance wherever you need it – including outside! Imagine having that nudge and aid outdoors on your deck, while sitting on a porch, or when you want to visit the garden.

When it comes to making the home safer overall, don’t neglect to consider your outdoor spaces. When shopping for and contemplating mobility aids, discuss exterior approaches to make your favorite spots accessible when living with a physical challenge or disability. The first thing to do is to contact the mobility experts for a free, no-risk assessment of needs to determine the most pragmatic solutions to make your home, yard, and gardens more accessible, and subsequently, safer for the individual living there.

Part 4 of Making the home safer for seniors and those with disabilities relates to living spaces in the home. Make sure that living rooms and common areas are designed with safety first, to reduce the risk of an injury in the home.

Making the Home Safer for Seniors and Those with Disabilities: Part 4 addresses living rooms and common areas designed with safety first. Steps including mobility devices can significantly reduce the hazards of the home, and curb potential risk of injury for seniors and those with physical limitations. Clear clutter and try to identify potential areas of risk, then reach out to mobility experts for devices, aids, and installations that can augment the home and preserve independence of those living there.

Living rooms and common areas designed with safety first is the goal

Barriers to enjoying common living areas may include access for seniors that live in their own homes. Ensure that your loved one has accessibility with augments and modifications that make the home more convenient and safe, while preserving the autonomy of the individual residing there.

Some ways to increase safety and access in common living areas include:

Widen doorways and walkways

Widen doorways and walkways to enhance access to and from common living areas. It is recommended that doorways be at least 32-inches wide to allow for clearance of wheelchairs and scooters, and public buildings must follow this recommendation to remain compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Keep this width in-mind when creating paths or walkways to your door or on the property to maintain access for individuals with mobility aids or devices.

Install threshold ramps

To cut down on fall hazards, install threshold ramps in doorways to the common living spaces of your home. Door thresholds, on their own, can cause seniors living in the home to stumble and trip; these low-pitch ramps help curb this risk factor, making the home a safer and more accessible dwelling.

Buy a lift-chair

Hip recliners, also known as lift chairs, can make a significant difference in the effort and stability of an individual rising and sitting down. These typically feature a simple remote that gently raises and lowers the seat of the chair, as it assists the user get up and out of the chair. These are of great aid to those suffering from physical disabilities, recovering from an injury, or simply for an added level of safety and accessibility in the living room.

Invest in home lifts

Another approach to accessibility in living areas include ceiling and freestanding lifts; these offer enhanced safety and security for caregivers performing basic activities of daily living (ADLs), too. A ceiling lift can assist getting an individual with physical disabilities up and out of bed, while a freestanding lift can be moved from room to room, to assist as needed. These mobility aids can have a life-changing impact on those using them.

Everyone should enjoy access to their home’s spaces – including the living room or common areas. Consider the ways that these mobility devices may enhance accessibility and improve safety in your house or apartment.

Some startling statistics about seniors and falls:

• Among the over-65 demographic, falls are the leading reason of injurious death.
• As you get older, your risk of falling increases.
• Over half of the over-80 population fall every year.
• Falls cause over 85% of all fractures and broken bones among seniors.
• It is estimated that 25% of people over age 65 fall each year in this country.
• A senior is treated at the ER every 11-seconds for injuries sustained in a fall.
• About three seniors die every hour in the US from fall-related injuries.
• Falls are to blame for the majority of trauma-related visits to the hospital among seniors, and the number-one cause of fatal injury.

Let Pacific Mobility help

Pacific Mobility can help preserve the autonomy of seniors and those with physical limitations, as well as protect caregivers against incidental injuries when performing activities of daily living. Reach out online or call for your comprehensive consultation and thorough assessment of needs to find the tools for improving safety in the common living areas and spaces of your – or a loved one’s – home.

Use these tips and make augments to your home to improve the level of safety in the common areas, such as your living, room, today. A fall can be a debilitating injury for any senior and could present risk of death in some instances. Make sure that safety is your first-priority and reconfigure your common living spaces with mobility aids that help preserve independence.

Making the Home Safer for Seniors and Those with Disabilities: A 5-Part Series

Part 3 of the series, Making the home safer for seniors and those with disabilities, focuses on creating safer bathrooms for better peace of mind. Seniors, loved ones, and caregivers are offered tips to make the bathroom space accessible and adaptive.

This third segment of the series, Making the home safer for seniors and those with disabilities, brings up issues surrounding a common fall-risk: the bathroom. Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury for seniors and the truth is, these incidents are usually quite preventable with mobility devices. Don’t fall prey to bathroom danger, reduce risk around your home or the dwelling of a senior that you love.

Some tips for safer bathrooms and better peace of mind include feasible options

Did you know that approximately every 19-minutes, a person over the age of 65 is seriously hurt or dies from injuries sustained in a fall? While the Center for Disease Control (CDC) doesn’t track where falls occur, it is estimated that one out of four seniors over the age of 65 falls each year. What are the reasons for such startling statistics? There are some inherent characteristics of the bathroom that can make this a dangerous place for seniors:

• The bathroom is loaded with hard and unforgiving surfaces, potentially dangerous during a fall.
• It is not uncommon for the bathroom conditions to be slick or wet, which contribute to fall risk.
• The lighting in the bathroom isn’t always great; often too harsh or too dim, which is a recipe for disaster.
• The mere purpose of the bathroom makes it frequently used at night. Drowsy seniors may be less wary of hazards that can cause injury.

While you may not be able to widen doorways to three-feet for wheelchair access, you have other viable options that will make the bathroom a more safe and accessible space:

Grab bars

Grab bars are a simple and cost-effective way to prevent falls during activities of daily living, like brushing your teeth or reaching for a towel. These should be professionally-installed near the sink, toilet, and tub to give the senior a bit of support as they maintain their autonomy.

Shower seats

One of the great things about shower seats is their versatility; many may be used for more than showering, and fit nicely in the tub, under a sink, or near the toilet area. These provide a slick-free surface for seniors to sit as they wash their hair or groom, which can prevent a number of nasty bathroom falls.

Taller toilets

Consider investing in a raised toilet to make it easier for seniors getting on and off the commode. Reaching for something to hold on to as seniors lower or rise from the toilet is the underlying culprit of many injuries, and fixtures that sit over the toilet can increase the height without any major plumbing renovation.

Walk-in Tubs

If you are designing a bathroom, talk to plumbing experts and mobility professionals about walk-in tubs to make everyday grooming a breeze. These eliminate the tricky task of raising and lowering legs over a ledge or side of the tub, which in wet conditions, can be treacherous.

Frameless shower stalls

Don’t have a tub? Talk to the experts about frameless showers without thresholds to make an easier transition for activities of daily living. It is reported that 800,000 hospitalizations and more than 27,000 deaths resulting from falls occur annually; a frameless shower stall is a rather small investment to ensure your senior is not a statistic.

Shorter sinks

It is also possible to lower sinks to work with seniors that are in wheelchairs or that utilize scooters and other mobility aids. This could extend to the vanity, which may make everyday grooming far less arduous for the physically impaired.

Make the home safer for seniors and those with disabilities

Rising insurance rates for the aging population are due in part to nasty falls and injuries sustained around the home, and the estimated costs related to fall injuries was around $31 billion dollars in 2014. Make an investment in future health and well-being with fall prevention, mobility aids, and devices today.

Begin by talking to the experts

Call or consult with Pacific Mobility for your needs assessment and begin planning how to make your bathroom – or the bathroom of someone you care for – safer and more accessible. Accessibility is key when seeking to maintain autonomy and keep seniors as independent as possible; qualified experts in mobility aids can outline the best approach to modifying or augmenting your dwelling.

Being proactive about mobility aids now may prevent a fall later. Falls contribute to the debilitation and physical disability of seniors widely yet is often preventable with mobility aids, devices, and equipment. When you want to maintain independence and live in your own home, a fall can compromise this prospect and impact more than one life. Get your bathroom up to par with an accessibility makeover today!

Making the home safer for seniors and those with disabilities, part 2, covers bedroom design that overcomes common accessibility issues. Since falls impact over one-third of seniors widely, attention to key details such as flooring, bed-height, and lighting, is integral to preserving health and well-being. If you missed part one, you can read it here.

Moving through bedroom design that overcomes common accessibility issues, brings attention to the bedroom, part 2 in making the home safer for seniors and those with disabilities, a five-part series. The critical difference in a fall risk versus a safe haven for sleep could lie in mobility devices; from grab-bars to stair-lifts, making changes in the bedroom can contribute to safety and independence for those living there.

It is estimated that around one-third of all people over the age of 65 falls each year. Of this demographic, around two-thirds will take another spill within six months. Shockingly, some 9500 seniors die from injuries and complications related to a fall annually. This makes fall prevention a valid and necessary segment of overall well-being among the aging population in this country.

Fall prevention is key in bedroom design to overcome common accessibility issues

Fall prevention is important as you age, or if you are caring for a senior, but what does that entail? First, preserve autonomy and independence with some basic mobility aids that can foster self-sufficiency while lowering the risk of a tumble, trip, or fall in your bedroom.

Some devices that can enhance your safety are:

Stair-lifts

Seniors living in multi-level homes may lose access to their upper or lower stories when they sustain an injury, disability, or have mobility issues as they age. Ensure full access to the home environment with a stair-lift. Stair-lifts are available for both inside and outside your home, providing access to upstairs-bedrooms, outdoor patios, and lower-level basements. Only buy new lifts from distributors that offer both hands-on installation and service after the sale.

Ceiling Lifts

Seniors and consumers risk a fall each time they get out of bed in the morning; this can be prevented by working with the bed’s height and ceiling lifts. Ceiling lifts are especially useful to those that live with physical mobilities that compromise autonomy with daily life. This includes ADLs, activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, and dressing. Ceiling lifts allow both the senior and the caregiver the assistance needed to make these tasks feasible without fear of injury or a fall. Ceiling lifts are typically installed over the bed, providing support to help the user incline and rise, as needed.

Freestanding lifts

Another option to improve accessibility in the bedroom may lie with freestanding lifts, which allow movement to make many tasks easier. These can be utilized throughout the home – not just the bedroom – to provide a bit of support and assistance to the consumer as they get up, bathe, sit at the table, or recline at night.

Grab-bars

A simple way to help reduce falls and subsequent injuries in the bedroom is to install grab-bars, similar to what you may commonly see in the bath. These can be positioned and installed near the bed, by the dresser or vanity, and on the sides of the closet to enable the user a way to support and assist as they get on about their day. A grab-bar can help the senior catch themselves, preventing a fall and potential injury every time it is used.

Be vigilant to reduce preventable fall-risks in the bedroom

For seniors and their caregivers, fall prevention is key in maintaining autonomy and fostering wellness during aging. Did you know that falls are the number one cause of injury among the over-65 demographic? Around one-third of all seniors take a tumble at some point, with 2/3 of this group seeking medical attention for sustained injuries. Curb these debilitating risks with some tips, including:

• Wear shoes around the house. Seniors, in particular, should make sure that their footwear fits snugly, without loose laces or other features that could cause a nasty fall.
• Keep flooring maintained and intact. Remove and replace rugs, tiles, or flooring with tears, cracks, or damage that could trip someone.
• Get rid of any clutter, boxes, or items that could impede the path of a senior through the home. This is a great time and reason to purge unneeded belongings around the house.
• Encourage the senior to wear clothes that fit, as loose clothing can sometimes cause a fall. Also, watch for accessories, such as scarves or jewelry, that present additional risks.
• Put bells on the collars of pets, such as dogs or cats, so that the senior hears them coming and doesn’t incidentally trip, injuring either themselves, their beloved animal, or both.

Make today the day to call for your mobility assessment. The professionals at Pacific Mobility are standing-by to evaluate, suggest, and service your mobility needs. From lifts to grab-bars, consider the vast difference that accessibility can make in everyday living.

Before you purchase or lease mobility aids, talk to an expert. Buying from a non-licensed professional could impact the installation, performance, and overall satisfaction of your equipment or device. Maintain safety in your bedroom – and throughout the home – to prevent falls, preserve wellness, and prolong life.

Making the home safer for seniors and those with disabilities is a concern all caregivers share. In this first of a five-part series, we explore the components to a well thought out kitchen.

Rethinking the kitchen with a view to accessibility makes sense and reduces the risk of injuries and falls in this area of the home. The kitchen can be a particularly dangerous place for seniors with mobility issues and disabilities, often posing a significant risk of injury.

Safety can be a barrier to autonomy for many seniors, especially those with physical disabilities or mobility issues. Considering that falls are the leading cause of fatal injury among seniors, it makes good sense to look at home adaptations, augments, and mobility devices that make the home a safer place. Start your assessment in the kitchen, which has inherent obstacles and challenges for many seniors.

Rethinking the kitchen with a view to accessibility includes taking a second look at:

Lighting

It is estimated that around 30-50% of senior falls are due to environmental factors, including poor lighting. Furthermore, an existing disability or physical limitation increases this statistic, making illumination even more integral to well-being.

Flooring

Another environmental element that is easily remedied is your flooring; do you have carpet, rugs, or floor coverings? These present an increased fall-risk for seniors living independently. The best flooring for anyone with physical limitations is smooth, hard surfaces, such as wood, linoleum, or tile.

Counters

Keep counter height in mind when evaluating the kitchen; are the counters at the right height for those primarily using them? If the individual uses a mobility device, such as a wheelchair, scooter, or walker, it will be important to assess these aids to determine the best height to prevent injury or discomfort for the user.

Cabinetry

A potential problem in any kitchen is in the cabinetry; reaching in and under, up and over to find specific items can pose risks – especially to seniors. Talk to mobility experts about pull outs and lazy Susan-style implements to make cabinets accessible and convenient for those that have physical limitations.

Storage

When it comes to kitchen storage, reaching in the pantry can also be hazardous. Some options to make overhead storage more feasible include; reaching-tools and ‘grabbers.’ These are inexpensive and prevent falls or injuries that result from extending, over-extending, and hyper-extending.

Rethinking the kitchen reduces the risk of injury

Don’t overlook the potential for fires and hazards in the kitchen; seniors are two-and-a-half-times more likely to become injured or die in a house fire. Make sure that your senior’s kitchen is as safe as it can be and that it is free from common fire hazards that contribute to the mortality rate of the over-65 demographic and that – at the very least – compromise the independence of the individual.

Some other things you can do to make your kitchen safer are:

• Ensure seniors can operate a fire extinguisher before an emergency occurs. Don’t have one? Pick-up two inexpensive, one-time use extinguishers at a hardware store and use one for a practice run.
• One of the biggest causes of fire is unattended cooking; invest in a timer or automatic shut-off for basic kitchen appliances.
• Buy two-handled cookware to make it easier to manage and maneuver pots or pans during cooking. Remind seniors to keep handles pointed in, to prevent spills and nasty burns.
• Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing or apparel that has long strings or belts that can catch on things, cause a fall, or contribute to a fire. When preparing or cooking food, insist seniors wear clothing that fits snugly.
• Keep kitchen surfaces clean and free of grease that can accumulate – especially in smaller kitchens. Use a cleaning solution and hot water to melt away grease that could cause fire hazards later.
• Clutter can pose a fall-risk anywhere in the house, and this danger is increased in a kitchen, where you could potentially have hot pans, boiling water, or other hazards. Get rid of clutter in the kitchen area, keeping a clear path through the work area or ‘triangle’ to make it safer.
• Make a note on the calendar to test the smoke detector every month or so; check the batteries routinely and test it to make sure it works. Also, invest in a CO2 detector if you don’t currently have one. This acts like a smoke detector but can warn seniors of dangerous carbon monoxide in the air which can be fatal.

Tackle the kitchen to ensure accessibility, safety, and reduced risk of injury in your – or your senior’s – home. Use these tips to create a safe and comfortable environment that facilitates and fosters autonomy. Talk to providers about additional efforts that you can make, and speak to the experts regarding mobility aids that increase access, improves safety, and preserves independence today.

Reducing falls for seniors includes modifications around the home, from trouble-free toilets to getting rid of throw rugs that could cause injury. The costs of a fall could be as high as a fatality, as it is estimated that an older American is treated in the ER for a fall every 11 seconds.

A nasty fall can derail a senior’s independence, while also adding to a slew of debilitating conditions and issues later. Most of these incidents and accidental injuries occur in and around the home, which makes the argument for mobility devices both a compelling and pragmatic option.

Fall reduction for seniors includes these tips:

Falls around the home are common, and yet, very preventable with some basic ADL assistance and fall prevention. Don’t risk the health and well-being of a senior – take proactive measures to make the home a safer environment.

Some things to consider when reducing falls include:

Trouble-free toilets

A common point of problems is often the toilet; lowering and raising to use the toilet can easily cause falls among seniors or others with physical limitations. Some options include toilet bars or rails, but also mobility experts offer raised toilets, which decrease the risk of a fall significantly.

Some help in the shower

Wet, slick surfaces can spell trouble for seniors, which is why the shower and tub are the culprits in many nasty falls. Consider installing a shower buddy or using shower seats that facilitate autonomy during bathing; for those with debilitating injuries or disabilities, ceiling lifts or free-standing lifts may make bathing in the tub a viable option.

The floor under your feet

Take a good look at your floors; if they become wet, could they be a potential fall hazard? Also, check for whether condensation builds up on the floor’s surface, due to a humid space, poor ventilation, or temperature differences. Another area of issue is with throw rugs and bath mats, which could remove the problem of moisture, but that can present fall dangers on their own. Make sure to remove throw rugs or floor coverings that cause an uneven surface and that could be tripped over.

A little bit taller

While it has been mentioned to raise the height of the toilet, did you know that you can raise the height of other fixtures to reduce falls and accidents? Talk to your mobility expert about raising heights of bathroom necessities, such as your vanity, cabinetry, or even tub to create a more accessible bathroom in the home.

Something to grab on to

Small bathrooms may not seem like they need grab bars or rails for users to safely navigate the space, but some may fall by reaching for things that are not intended for support, like the sink, a towel rack, or a shower door. In larger bathrooms, there could be substantial fall risks associated with simply getting from one area of the room to another. Talk to mobility experts about grab bars for the shower, tub, commode, and sink to safely update and upgrade the space.

Another versatile option is the ‘super pole’; super poles are basically portable poles that can be installed anywhere that the user may need a bit of support and ‘grab.’ These make any space more accessible and safer, even when you lack the wall or area for more conventional grabbers or rails.

Illuminated spaces

Poor lighting opens anyone up to a potential fall, and falls due to poor illumination are most common on stairs or in hallways. Poor lighting also makes it harder to see issues, objects, or fall risks, like a snagged carpet or loose tile, which could present significant hazards for seniors.

The real risks associated with a fall

It is estimated that one out of four seniors fall each year in this country, which amounts to an injury every 11 seconds that warrants treatment at the emergency room. Falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries for Americans over the age of 65, as one senior dies from injuries sustained in a fall every 19 minutes. With these startling statistic in mind, some other things that caregivers can do to reduce the risk of falls include:

• Clear clutter that could cause a potential fall and subsequent injury.
• Check their shoes to ensure they fit properly, and that they don’t present any unnecessary hazards, such as long laces.
• Make sure clothing fits right; surprisingly, many seniors fall as a result of loose-clothing becoming fetched on fixtures and furnishings around the home.
• Try to consolidate the senior’s needs on one-level, but talk to providers about the viability of a stairlift to help with access throughout the residence. This is a proactive step toward preserving independence, too.

Falls seriously jeopardizes the health and autonomy of seniors widely; mobility aids reduce the risks of a fall and also can assist those recuperating and recovering from an injury sustained in a fall. Falls are not uncommon and can have life-compromising impacts; use these tips to make the home a safer place for a senior that you love.