Fall Prevention and Home Safety
Safe Movement and Fall Prevention
By ensuring that fall prevention measures are built into the clients’ care plans and that well-trained caregivers are assigned to high-fall-risk cases, the number of falls among older adults can be significantly reduced.
LightSpring Home Care endeavors to ensure that the following steps are taken to manage and reduce the fall risk for vulnerable clients:
Step 1
Achieve the Best Caregiver-Client Match
Matching clients with caregivers who have the skills and experience to deal with their conditions is crucial. This is determined through an iterative process of meet and greets in which clients and their loved ones are able to meet with and interview a number of potential caregivers before arriving at the best choice based on the specific skill set and experience of the care professionals.
Step 2
Perform a Home Safety Inspection Prior to Start of Care
As part of our intake process, our client services manager will perform a walk-through and/or observation of the home spaces in which care will be provided. The aim is to ensure that the space is safe for mobility and free of unnecessary obstacles that could pose mobility hazards for clients. The home safety inspection is documented, and the caregiving team is encouraged to continue to ensure the safety of the living space throughout the duration of care.
Step 3
Correct Orientation, and Continued Training for Staff
All caregiving staff are required to be properly trained and certified prior to being staffed. Through the process of supervision and evaluation, our caregivers will continue to be provided with hands-on training from skilled nurses throughout the duration of care for a client.
Step 4
Adopt a Team Approach to to Fall Prevention
We recognize that many home-bound clients will be receiving care from various sources, including physical therapists, skilled nurses, social workers, as well as physicians. Our long-term care team will ensure that all medical information relevant to fall prevention is obtained during intake and that all developments we observe are properly communicated to family members as well as other care providers.
Step 5
Promote the use of Fall Detection Technology for At-Risk Clients
In coordination with the clients’ medical care providers and loved ones, LightSpring Home Care will strongly encourage the use of wearable emergency products. The products often have sensors that can actually determine if a client has fallen and send instant notifications to caregivers, emergency personnel, and even family members.
How to Prevent Falls in the Bathroom
The bathroom, while essential, can also be a common place for falls among older adults. Slippery surfaces and limited mobility can pose a significant risk. To mitigate this, our fall prevention and home safety services emphasize bathroom safety.
During the home assessment, we will determine appropriate modifications or installations to your current bathroom. For example, it may be necessary to install grab bars, as strategically placing these bars near the shower and toilet can provide crucial support for stability. Additionally, our experts in fall prevention plans for seniors may recommend placing non-slip mats inside and outside the shower or bathtub and ensuring pathways are well-lit to prevent slips and falls.
How to Prevent Falls in the Kitchen
The kitchen is another area where fall injuries can occur. For this reason, our fall prevention and home safety services extend to this essential space in your home. We can help you reorganize kitchen items to make them more accessible and reduce the need for excessive stretching or bending, which can often increase the risk of falling. We can also help you determine whether installing safety equipment like handrails or pull-out shelves will be beneficial for the older adults in your home, helping them maintain their independence while preventing falls.
Additional Home Safety Tips for Older Adults
At LightSpring Home Care, we’re not just a home care agency in Pennsylvania; we’re a family dedicated to the well-being of your loved ones. Our fall prevention and home safety services are tailored to meet the unique needs of older adults in Philadelphia County, Bucks County, and Delaware County, including Philadelphia, Cheltenham, Abington, Jenkintown, PA, and beyond. Most importantly, our solutions are designed to prevent falls from happening in the first place. If your loved one could use some extra support at home, consider partnering with one of your caregivers, and we’ll help you formulate fall prevention strategies that are specific to your elderly parents’ needs. These strategies may include the following tips:
- Declutter and Organize: Keeping walkways, hallways, and living spaces free from clutter and unnecessary furniture minimizes the chances of tripping.
- Install Adequate Lighting: Ensuring all areas of the home are well-lit, especially staircases, hallways, and entrances, can be beneficial for nighttime navigation.
- Secure Area Rugs: If you use area rugs, make sure they have non-slip backing or use double-sided tape to secure them to the floor.
- Stair Safety: If you have stairs, ensure handrails are sturdy and on both sides. Consider installing a stairlift if mobility is an issue.
- Medication Management: Keep medications organized and use pill organizers to prevent dosage errors that could lead to dizziness or falls.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your home. Replace any loose tiles, floorboards, or broken handrails promptly.
- Fall Detection Devices: Consider investing in fall detection devices or systems that can automatically alert help in case of a fall.
We Are Committed to Your Loved One’s Safety
Our caregivers are trained in fall prevention and home safety services for residents throughout Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia County, Bucks County, and Delaware County. Whether your loved one needs post-operative home care or assistance with daily living, we have the expertise to meet their needs.
But our commitment goes beyond just providing care. We are dedicated to building trust and fostering independence in older adults. We will work closely with you and your loved one to develop fall prevention strategies that allow your elderly relatives to age gracefully and beautifully at home.
To take the first step towards a safer, more secure future for your loved one, we encourage you to schedule a free in-home assessment with our experts. During this assessment, we’ll discuss your specific needs, evaluate your home for potential fall risks, and create a personalized care plan to prevent future falls. Contact us today to learn more about our fall prevention and home safety services and receive peace of mind knowing that your loved one is in good hands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Prevention for Seniors
If you or a loved one has experienced a fall, it’s essential to seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Consult a healthcare professional to assess and address the underlying causes, as falls can result from various factors. Additionally, consider making home modifications and practicing exercises to improve balance and strength.
Common risk factors include age, muscle weakness, balance issues, vision problems, and environmental hazards. Identifying these factors and taking preventive measures, such as completing home modification projects, can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.
Physical activity is important for fall prevention, as specific exercises can help improve balance, strength, and flexibility. Customized exercise plans should be developed based on your loved one’s needs.
Our Offices
Bryn Mawr
Office
919 Conestoga Rd Building Three, Suite 212
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
(484) 267-3500
Center City Philadelphia Office
123 South Broad Street, Suite 1945
Philadelphia, PA 19109
(215) 935-6321
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