Senior Safety Tips

The Importance of Kitchen Safety for Seniors

March 12, 2019 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home, as it’s long been known as a gathering spot, a place of celebration, and a place to get together with family and friends. However, the kitchen can also be one of the most dangerous rooms in the home. Kitchen safety for seniors is of the utmost importance if you are a caregiver. Unlike a toddler, who is just learning to crawl and explore, many seniors are well-established cooks that have made countless meals for their families over the years.

While you never want to take away a hobby or something someone loves, cognitive decline is an unfortunate reality, and kitchen modifications for the elderly and an elderly-friendly kitchen makes sure that everyone is safe and happy. Beyond modifications, there are also food and preparation tips that can also promote kitchen safety for seniors.

Kitchen Safety for Seniors: Stove Safety Devices and Modifications

When it comes to safety hazards in the home for the elderly, the stove is one of the most dangerous. It is estimated by FEMA that the elderly have a 2.5 time greater risk of dying in a kitchen fire when compared to the general population. Because of this, stove safety, especially gas stove safety for the elderly, is of the utmost importance. Before you install a stove alarm or modify the appliances, look around the kitchen first. Many times the dangers lie not in the stove itself, but factors that could potentially cause a fire.

Tips for stove kitchen safety for seniors include:

Remove all potentially flammable items from the vicinity of the stove—this includes paper towels, pot holders, dish towels, and any similar items
Ensure that your loved one does not wear loose fitting clothing while they are cooking—this has a better chance of igniting
Turn all pot handles inward (and remind your loved one to do so also) to prevent scalds, burns, and other accidents
Install a working smoke detector in the kitchen
Make sure plastic cooking utensils are stored well away from the stove
If the kitchen is equipped with any type of ventilation system, make sure it is properly cleaned
Install bright lighting over the stove so it is easier to see
Have a qualified electrician check the kitchen wiring to ensure its safety

When it comes to safe cooking appliances for the elderly, and stovetop modifications, one of the best things to promote kitchen safety for seniors is to install a shut-off switch (or even several). This includes a shut-off switch on the stove and finding other small appliances that are already equipped with one (such as a tea kettle). The safest cooktop for the elderly is one that has a motion sensor pre-installed. This way, if no one has been near the stove within a specified amount of time, the appliance shuts off.

Kitchen Safety for Seniors: Microwave and Small Appliance Safety

When using small appliances, it’s important to keep these tips for kitchen safety for seniors in mind:

Make sure the microwave has minimal buttons and easy to use. A small microwave with a dial/timer is a great idea.
Find a refrigerator that has a large-print digital temperature display so the temperature is easily set. If the patient is in a wheelchair, a refrigerator that is side-by-side makes it much easier for them to open the freezer. Note: for food safety, the refrigerator should be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Choose irons (many people have a tendency to iron in the kitchen), coffee pots, and other small appliances with the shut-off switch. If they are not included, consider installing a shut-off outlet.

Preventing Falls and Other General Tips for Kitchen Safety for Elderly People

There is much more than fire when it comes to potential hazards in the kitchen. Tips for kitchen safety for elderly people also must include information about fall prevention. Make sure your loved one always wears non-slip slippers or shoes in the kitchen. Also, tile flooring can be the most hazardous. If recovering or replacing tile is not possible, consider placing non-skid rugs throughout the kitchen, especially in front of the sink where water can splash to the floor creating a slippery surface. Food safety is also a concern. Other tips for kitchen safety for seniors to keep in mind:

Install motion-sensor activated night lights so your loved one can see when they enter the kitchen
Replace glass items with plastic ones (such as cups and mugs)
Ensure heavier objects are at waist level and not on a higher shelf
Use one cutting board for meat and one for vegetables
Store meat and perishable in tightly sealed and labeled containers (with written-on dates)
Use pots and pans that are equipped with two handles

This may seem like a lot of work, but it is so vitally important to keep your loved one safe. You can’t keep an eye on them all of the time, even if it is your intent, so ensuring that their kitchen is a completely safe area is an important job.

To hear more tips on kitchen safety for seniors, to learn about other safety needs such as bathroom aids, or to get information regarding medical devices that can help improve mobility for your loved one, contact Williams Lift Co. today to learn about wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, and other mobility products to improve your loved one’s quality of life.

Why Food Safety for Seniors Is Important

February 15, 2019 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults (those 65 and over) are 10 times more likely to suffer from a foodborne illness than younger generations. When it comes to preparing food or cooking for the elderly, great care must be undertaken to ensure that food has been handled properly, and that the food itself is safe. Here are several food safety tips for seniors who live independently and their caregivers to help prevent the spread of foodborne illness.

Risks Associated with Food Safety for Seniors

It’s important to understand why food safety for seniors is so important. As we age, our body changes, including our gastrointestinal tract. In those over age 65, food remains in the gastrointestinal tract for a longer period of time, allowing bacteria to grow. This type of bacteria isn’t always harmful—but the length of time it stays in the GI tract causes an increased risk of food poisoning in the elderly. Also, the stomach of an older person may not produce enough bile (acid), which allows bacteria to grow and multiply. Those who suffer from conditions such as diabetes and cancer are at increased risk.

Safe food handling for seniors is a must because each additional risk will multiply the already existing risks of simply getting older. Whether you’re an older person preparing your own food, or you’re a caregiver in a home or a certified nursing home, food safety for the elderly is a priority.

Cooking Safety Tips for Seniors and Their Caregivers

It’s something we’ve been told from toddlerhood—wash your hands. Even in modern times, the best advice when it comes to food safety for seniors is to wash hands consistently, especially after handling raw meat.

Another great tip is to separate raw meats and poultry from ready-to-eat foods. People may wonder how so many units of romaine lettuce were recalled due to disease—this is because this “tip” was not followed correctly. Use separate cutting boards for meat, poultry, and vegetables/fruits, and prepare them on different surfaces.

When cooking for the elderly, be absolutely sure that meats are cooked to their proper temperature. Chicken should always have an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or above, while red meat should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The advisories for pork state an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit is best.

Food safety for the elderly also includes proper refrigeration. Leftovers should be refrigerated promptly within two hours of cooking time. Also, it’s advised that older adults keep their refrigerator temperatures at 40 degrees to keep food cold and fresh. This also applies to refrigerators in nursing homes or care facilities.

Perhaps the best tip of all for food safety for seniors: “when in doubt, throw it out!”

Food Safety for Seniors – Known Pathogens

While the best method of preventing food poisoning in seniors is prevention, it’s still a good idea to be aware of the risks that are out there. Some of these pathogens include:

Listeria: This pathogen often grows on deli-style meats and hot dogs, improperly cooked or stored in the refrigerator. It can also affect raw vegetables. While in many it causes fever, malaise, and GI upset, if untreated in seniors, it could be deadly.
Escherichia coli: Commonly known as E. coli, this is highly correlated with uncooked ground beef. It can also be transmitted through person-to-person contact (e.g., unwashed hands).
Salmonella: This affects food safety for seniors, as it is very much associated with chicken. Salmonella can also be present in milk, seafood, and other poultry. It can cause stomach pain and diarrhea, and is a very serious condition for the elderly.
Clostridium: This pathogen is most associated with food left out on the counter, which is part of why safe food handling for seniors is so vital. While it rarely causes death, it can cause serious GI upset and cramps.

Remembering every last piece of advice can be tough for anyone. However, when it comes to food safety for seniors, the most important things to do are to wash your hands, separate meats and poultry, throw suspicious food away, and refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible.

Helping make life easier for seniors, the disabled, and their caregivers is what the Williams Lift Co. has been doing for over 70 years. For a free estimate for wheelchair or stair ramp costs, or to hear about our other mobility products, contact us today to speak with a member of our professional staff.

Important Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

January 25, 2019 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Because of extremely cold temperatures, winter can be tough on everyone, especially the elderly. Wintertime is often a time of decreased activity and increased depression for seniors, and it can be hard looking after the elderly in cold weather if you are a caregiver. Whether you are a caretaker of someone who is older and needs assistance, or if you are a senior yourself, there are just a few important winter safety tips for seniors to keep in mind. Some tips—such as the ideal room temperature for the elderly—may be a bit surprising.

How Does Cold Weather Affect the Elderly?

As we age, our bodies react differently to extremes, and this includes dramatic changes in temperature. Blood circulation in the elderly is poorer than a younger adult any time of year, but the addition of colder weather worsens this condition. As humans, we always need adequate blood flow at all times to all of our extremities. Hypothermia is an additional concern. An elderly person who has their home temperature set to 65 degrees Fahrenheit may be at risk for hypothermia in extremely cold weather, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). This is particularly alarming if the person lives alone and rarely has visitors.

Because this type of situation is very dangerous, NIA suggests that a safe home temperature for the elderly is between of 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s understandable that this winter safety tip for seniors may cause some anxiety over the heating bill, but seniors can help keep their heating bill down by closing off rooms they are not using, closing curtains and windows and having them weather-treated, and placing a rolled towel in front of doors to keep out drafts.

Staying Healthy in the Winter for Seniors

Another health concern for seniors during the winter months is simply staying healthy. During this time when cases of the common cold, flu, and bronchitis are prevalent, winter safety precautions for seniors should include the prevention of any ailments. Because the elderly are an at-risk group, it is highly recommended that all older patients receive their flu shot every year. The flu can be deadly to all groups, but particularly so in seniors and those that are immunocompromised.

It’s also very important to wash your hands as often as possible. Simply put, having unclean hands is the easiest way to transmit germs. Those with deeper health concerns should also invest in a surgical mask to help protect against the transmission of airborne droplets and diseases. Vitamin deficiencies also are a problem during the winter. Another winter safety tip for seniors is to eat a varied diet full of leafy greens and vegetables, and foods rich in Vitamin D and calcium.

Other Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

Consider these additional winter safety tips for seniors:

Avoid prolonged exposure outside. Frostbite and hypothermia are real concerns for seniors who have been outside too long, especially if not dressed properly. Bundle up and prepare well for going outside in extremely cold temperatures.
Beat the winter blues. Winter depression is very real, and part of winter safety for seniors is keeping busy and staying active. Look for local winter events around your area that may be of interest, or think about joining a local senior support group.
Be wary of ice. Whether you use a wheelchair ramp to get inside your home or you walk, falling on ice is a safety concern. Be sure to stock up ice melt for your walkways and sidewalks. Also, wear shoes that have non-slip grips on them, which are better for walking on icy surfaces.
Drink only moderately. Alcohol consumption can make you lose body heat, while also making you feel as if you’re not cold. If you drink at all, make sure it is in moderation.
Be well stocked. One of the most important winter safety tips for seniors is to have a well-stocked house for many reasons, including the risk of a power outage. Make sure you have candles and batteries, an easy way to contact a loved one if you need help, and a pantry full of canned goods and other non-perishable items.

For more ideas on winter safety tips for seniors, or to hear about products such as wheelchair ramps and stair lifts, contact Williams Lift Co. today to speak with a member of our team. With different types of mobility equipment, we can help make mobility a reality again.

The Importance of Bathroom Aids for the Elderly

November 23, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

As we age, a number of everyday bathroom activities that require significant mobility become increasingly difficult for individuals who use wheelchairs and walking aids. Bathrooms present one of the biggest safety hazards for people with mobility issues. The combination of slippery floors and tubs, loose rugs, and tight-fitting spaces makes the bathroom one of the most common areas for slip and fall accidents to occur. Since bathrooms are often small, poorly ventilated, and lack telephones, seniors who experience injuries in the bathroom may not be able to call for the help they need.

Installing bathroom aids for the elderly can dramatically reduce the risk of a fall in a bathroom.

Bathroom Aids for the Elderly

Raised Toilet Seat

Sitting down and standing up are two actions that require considerable muscle strength and flexibility. Elderly people with back trouble can find ease, safety, and comfort in a raised toilet seat, which can empower an impaired individual who might otherwise be dependent on a loved one or caregiver to use the toilet without someone else’s assistance.

Toilet Safety Frame Bars

For additional support and to further reduce stress on the back, toilet safety frame bars can be affixed to an elderly person’s toilet. Some toilet safety frame bars double as a bedside commode and usable as a raised toilet seat.

Wall (Grab) Bars

Since some bathroom doors are too narrow for walkers, it’s always a good idea to install grab bars throughout your bathroom. Though grab bars can be helpful for walking in general, they’re especially useful for getting in and out of the shower and getting up from the toilet. Though it may be tempting to grab onto a towel rack, these racks are not built to support a person’s weight and could easily be torn from the wall.

Providing disabled and elderly residents with a surface to grab on to for support, grab bars make it easier for people to rise and lower. They can also help individuals regain stability if they fall off balance.

To keep your elderly loved ones safe, be sure to purchase sturdy, well-made bars that are between 12 and 32 inches long. Temporary suction cup bars are simply too flimsy to withstand a person’s weight, while permanent grab bars next to the toilet and on each shower or tub wall can permit easier access and provide assistance in case of a slip.

Bathtub Safety Rail

Slipping in or near the bathtub is dangerous in general, but it is especially risky for the elderly, who are less likely to stand up unscathed immediately following the fall. The placement of a bathtub safety rail can decrease one’s chances of falling and make stepping in and out of the bathtub much easier.

Shower Chairs, Mats, and Shower Heads

For elderly men and women who rely on wheelchairs, the simple act of showering can seem overwhelming. Available with and without arms, shower chairs allow individuals who may not otherwise be able to wash themselves to get clean without the assistance of a family member or caregiver.

Shower chairs hold up to 250 pounds and come equipped with non-skid rubber tips and adjustable legs for extra stability and security. To ensure easy access, most shower chairs have removable arms and backs.

Beyond the use of shower chairs, installing rubber-backed mats on the inside and outside of the shower are great for reducing the risk of slipping. For added independence, installing a detachable handheld showerhead can make showering much easier without assistance from others.

Benefits of Bathroom Aids for the Elderly

Safety

By investing in bathroom aids for the elderly, you’re ensuring the safety of those with limited mobility. These prevention measures can reduce the risk of falls and serious injuries. Among those who are 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injuries and death, and the most common reason for hospital admissions. Hip fractures, head trauma, and lacerations are common injuries sustained in a fall, and these injuries can reduce a person’s mobility even further.

Enhanced Independence

Using devices like shower chairs and hand-held shower heads can eliminate the need for a caregiver in some cases. This improves a person’s independence and helps protect his or her modesty.

Improved Hygiene

Some seniors and those with disabilities might delay bathing and other personal hygiene activities because they’re worried about falling in the bathroom. The use of bathroom aids like wall grab bars reduces the risk of injuries so that those with limited mobility can maintain their personal hygiene routines.

Home Safety for the Elderly: Beyond Bathroom Aids

Bathroom aids are only one aspect of a safe home environment for the elderly. To speak with a professional about our stairway lifts, handicap ramps, and bathroom aid installation services, call 908-322-7070 today.

Mobility Walking Aids: A Look at the Options

September 15, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

It seems that part of getting older means that you have to rely on mobility walking aids to get around. With so many options, however, what would be the best for your senior mobility? There’s so many factors to consider ranging from weather patterns to storage space. We are here to take a deeper look at all of the usual walking aids for elderly people to ensure that you make the right decision for you or your loved ones.

Canes

Canes are among the first mobility walking aids that seniors use when getting around. They come in all shapes, sizes and materials to fit each person’s lifestyle. Many have been updated with the ability to collapse down to a smaller size, making it easier to place in a purse or bag if need be. It also improved itself as a mobility walking aid by adding three points of connection on the ground, meaning that it is less likely to slip away from you when walking on wet, uneven or icy terrain. While the three point connection end is not standard to all models of canes on the market, the cane remains a great standard for mobility walking aids.

Walkers

Another of the first mobility walking aids that comes to mind is the roller walker. While it has been thought of as a sign of getting older, today’s models are versatile and easy to use. The standard for today means that they come with basket and a seat, designed for the modern era. If there is a need to have this instead of a cane, the current designs are made to encourage senior mobility and safety while walking. The adjustments are quick and easy to make. While we have talked about the measures needed to ensure safety, elderly walkers with seats remain one of the best senior mobility aids.

Scooters

Motorized scooters have been a great addition to mobility aids when you need to go over long distances while running errands or joining your family on vacation. They are easy to rent in the store or in the theme park, already charged and ready to go for the user with a need for mobility walking aids. They also have a basket for you to place your items in and thus creating less worry when traveling out and about. Purchasing your own can mean changes in the home, including adding a ramp if your home is not already accessible by scooter or wheelchair. Williams Lift is able to create these accommodations necessary without disrupting your home or life.

Mobility Walking Aids: In Conclusion

Mobility walking aids are one of the best ways to maintain independence and safety as a senior. There are many options out there and we have discussed the three most common options for you and your loved ones to look over. With any major mobility change, Williams Lift is there to help adjust your home to the new lifestyle changes, whether they are temporary or permanent. Contact us today.

Services for Independent Living

March 15, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Services for independent living are available to help people stay in their home longer than they would be able to otherwise. Williams Lifts provides one of those types of services through mobility equipment, which I will go into in more detail later.

For the most part, this article will shine a light on other types of services for independent living– such as independent living skills training, in-home aids, and agencies that can provide independent living resources. Here is a look at each of these types of services.

An Overview of Services for Independent Living

Independent Living Skills Training

Independent living skills training is designed to help people increase their self-reliance and independence. Through various training programs, individuals can maximize their ability to lead happy and productive lives in their own homes and communities.

Training programs are typically developed to meet the specific needs of an individual, which is why it’s important to first establish goals that should be achieved through training. Training goals could include, but are certainly not limited to:

Learning how to create a budget, manage money, and establish a routine for paying bills.
Improving household management skills such as meal planning, cooking, safety, and personal hygiene.
Understanding one’s rights as a consumer and becoming more assertive when exercising those rights.
Utilizing community transportation and other available services.

Training can take place one-on-one in an individual’s home. Alternatively, group training programs are also available which come with the added benefit of regular social activity.

Independent Living Aids

In-home aids are designed to help individuals do more on their own in daily home life. From protecting personal safety to performing tasks, independent living aids can help people accomplish more with less assistance from others. Examples of in-home aids include:

Bathroom Aids: Safety bars to hold onto in slippery areas, bath and shower chairs to prevent falls, raised toilet seats for easier sitting and standing.
Bedroom Aids: Rollaway bedside tables, bedside rails, dressing sticks.
General Living Aids: Pill organizers, reaching sticks, safety alarms.

Thanks to advancements in connected technology, in-home aids are a rapidly developing product category right now. Knowing how to use a modern day smartphone can open up a world of new options. Learning how to do something as simple as making video calls can vastly improve quality of life when aging in place.

Independent Living Agencies

Individual states and communities have their own independent living agencies that are dedicated to helping elderly and disabled people live independently in their own home. People can turn to these agencies for resources, peer support, advocacy, and transition services.

Mobility Aids

Mobility aids, such as ramps and stairlifts, can be installed in and around one’s home to help individuals move around more freely and overcome obstacles. One of the key services for independent living provided by Williams Lifts is sales and installation of such equipment.

Alternatively, people can rent equipment from us on a month-to-month basis. This also includes installation and removal of equipment. Renting is an ideal option when you’re not yet ready to buy, or only need the equipment for a limited period of time. For more information, please look into our stairlift rentals.

Aging in Place Technology: Aging in Place Home Modifications to Help You Live at Home Longer

January 1, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Aging in place technology is designed to help seniors stay in their own home as they get older. This is accomplished with a combination of modern day devices as well as aging in place home modifications.

In this article, I will go over several pieces of technology that are key to independent living, as well as the different modifications that can help seniors move through their home without any obstacles.

Aging in Place Technology & Aging in Place Home Modifications

Seniors have greater access to aging in place technology today than ever before. This includes high-tech monitoring systems and personal gadgets that can help seniors live independently. In addition to providing numerous benefits to the individuals using the technology, it also provides peace of mind to family members. Moreover, it’s much more affordable to invest in aging in place technology compared to moving into an assisted living environment.

Here is an overview of some of the key pieces of aging in place technology that every senior should have in their home.

Sensors
Smart sensors can be placed around the home to alert family members and caregivers of a loved one’s activity. So instead of calling dad to check whether he’s been up, had his breakfast, and taken his pills— motion sensors placed in the living room, kitchen, and medicine cabinet can reassure you that everything is ok.

Emergency Pendants
An emergency pendant is a piece of technology, usually worn as a necklace, that can be pressed in case of an emergency. Emergency pendants can be programmed to call either 911 or a family member. With one press of a button, a call is made and either 911 or a family member is alerted that something is wrong.

Electronic Medication Dispensers
An electronic medication dispenser also acts as a medication reminder system. It sets off an alarm when it’s time to take medication, and dispenses exactly what is needed for that time of day. This will help ensure medication is taken as required throughout the day and a dose is never missed.

Video Calls
Internet-connected videos cameras are now as common as telephones. They’re on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even built into some computer monitors. A video call can be a much more effective way to keep in touch with family members without having to leave the home. Doctors are even seeing patients via video calls these days, which can eliminate another need to leave the house.

Home Modifications by Williams Lifts

Aging in place home modifications refers to the type of products and services Williams Lifts specializes in. Modifications can be made to a senior’s home to help him or her overcome various obstacles. This can include tools such as stair lifts to get up and down stairs easier, or modular ramps for entering and exiting the home in a wheelchair.

Here is a list of different kinds of aging in place home modifications, along with links where you can get more information about them.

In Summary

A combination of aging in place home modifications, and technological devices, can help seniors live comfortably in their own homes well into their old age. For more information about the home modifications offered by Williams Lifts, please request a free brochure or contact us directly.

Choosing the Right Residential Wheelchair Ramp

September 1, 2017 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Careful thought must be put into choosing the right residential wheelchair ramp, because there are many variables to consider. Seeking the assistance of an experienced dealer, like Williams Lifts, can help you make the decision that’s best for your needs.

In this article we will go over the variables you need to take into consideration before purchasing a residential wheelchair ramp, as well as describe the different types of house wheelchair ramps that are available to you. From there, you’ll be on your way to choosing the ramp that’s best for you.

Residential Wheelchair Ramp Length

Ramp length is one of the first things you should take into consideration – not only for your own needs, but to stay within compliance of building codes for wheelchair ramp slope. Keep in mind that building codes do not apply to residential wheelchair ramps, but they do apply to all other types.

Building codes state there should be at least one foot of length for every inch of rise, which is a fairly easy calculation to make. For example, a 10 inch rise should have a 10 foot ramp, and so on.

Although there are no building code requirements for portable ramps, most manufacturers recommend one foot of ramp for every 2 inches of rise. That means a 5 foot ramp with a 10 inch rise should be sufficient for most users.

In all instances, whether the ramp is portable or not, the longer it is the easier it will be to use. Shorter ramps can be a challenge because they will invariably have a steeper slope than longer ramps.

Residential Wheelchair Ramp Weight Capacity

Another variable that is important to a user’s safety is the ramp’s weight capacity. Needless to say, exceeding weight capacity could lead to the ramp giving out and causing an accident.

You must consider all things that add weight to your person while using your wheelchair, and of course the weight of the wheelchair itself.

There is generally not much to worry about when it comes to manual wheelchairs because they usually weigh no more than 50 lbs. Power wheelchairs are the primary concern here.

When it comes to power wheelchairs, the weight of the machine, its weight once batteries are added, and also the weight of the machine once additional features like power tilt or recline are added.

A power wheelchair that’s advertised as weighing 300lbs could weigh as much as 600lbs by the time it’s delivered.

Lastly, you must also consider the weight of any additional items that may be added to your person. This may include heavy clothing, bags, purses, water bottles, etc.

Weight capacity of different ramp types will vary by manufacturer, so make sure you inquire about the maximum capacity before deciding on a wheelchair ramp.

Residential Wheelchair Ramp Types

Residential wheelchair ramp types include:

Threshold ramps
Portable ramps
Tri-fold ramps
Modular ramps
Pathway ramps

Rather than repeating the differences between them here, we encourage you to visit our full write-up about wheelchair ramp types.

Conclusion

Ramp length, weight capacity, and ramp type are the main variables to consider before purchasing a wheelchair ramp. If you need further assistance please contact us or leave a comment below.

Fall Prevention in the Elderly: Staying Safe in and Around the Home

August 1, 2017 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

As one ages, it’s necessary to become familiar with fall prevention in the elderly. Whether you need to learn more about this for your own safety, or for the safety of loved ones, knowing more about the causes of falls in seniors can help you prevent them.

That’s exactly what I’m going to cover in this post. I will identify some of the most common causes of falls in seniors, and go over safety considerations for preventing those types of falls. By the end of this article, you will be that much more educated about fall prevention in the elderly.

Fall Prevention in the Elderly: Common Causes of Falls in Seniors

Most falls are preventable once you know what causes them. Falls often occur in one’s own home, which means you can put necessary measures in place to ensure safety.

Going Up and Down Staircases

One of the top places where major falls occur is staircases. We specialize in preventing falls while going up and down stairs by offering the best stair lifts on the market. If it’s in your budget, a stair lift is the number one way to prevent falls on staircases.

Regularly maintaining stairs is also recommended. That means regular cleaning and vacuuming. It’s even better if you can secure your stairs with a non-slip surface.

A well-lit staircase is important in order to stay safe while going up and down stairs at night. You should be able to turn lights on and off with switches at the top and bottom of the stairs. For added protection you could use portable, motion-activated lights in stairwells without adequate lighting.

Slippery Floors

Any room in the house where water could come into contact with the floor poses a potential risk for falls. This primarily includes the kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms. Adding a non-slip surface can prevent falls on slippery floors.

Water on floors isn’t the only thing to worry about when it comes to preventing falls in the elderly. Rugs are a hazard as well. All area rugs should be securely fastened to the floor to ensure they can’t be tripped over.

Reaching Hazards

Overextending one’s reach is another one of the main causes of falls in seniors. Frequently used items should be stored on shelves that are easy to reach.

If absolutely necessary, ensure there’s a step stool with a safety rail in the home for reaching items higher up.

Storing heavier items on the lowest shelves is also recommended. This helps prevent falls that could occur from being overwhelmed by the weight of an item.

Outdoor Falls

Of course, falls can and do occur outdoors as well. Outdoor falls can be prevented with a number of different devices. We recommend reading our guide on mobility aids to learn more about that.

Fall Prevention in the Elderly: Conclusion

Stairs, slippery floors, and trying to grab items out of reach are some of the most common causes of falls in seniors within the home. For more information about how to prevent falls outdoors please refer to our guide on mobility aids linked to above.

Mobility Aids for Seniors: Everything You Need to Know

July 1, 2017 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Mobility aids for seniors can help restore the freedom and independence of moving about on one’s own. They are typically required on a temporary basis if the individual is recovering from an injury, or on a more long-term basis if the individual has permanent mobility challenges.

There’s a variety of mobility aids for seniors on the market, each of which is designed to serve a unique purpose. Some mobility aids for the elderly are designed to improve balance and stability. Others are designed to help an individual walk straight and maintain an upright posture. There are also mobility aids designed to reduce muscle and joint pain by redistributing weight carried by the legs.

One thing every mobility aid has in common is the positive effect they have on seniors’ self-confidence. Knowing you can move about freely without the assistance of others is like opening up a whole new world of possibilities.

This article will discuss the types of mobility aids for seniors that are available. Some of which are available at Williams Lifts, while others will have to be sought out from another vendor. The main point of this article is to educate you on what you may need for a given situation, whether it’s from us or not.

Types of Mobility Aids for Seniors

Stair Lifts
Stair Lifts assist individuals who cannot get up and down stairs on their own. They are powered chairs which are installed on a track opposite the railing. You simply sit in the chair while it safely and securely moves you from one floor to another.

Ramps
Ramps assist individuals with limited mobility when they need help getting from one level to another. Ramps could be as simple as a threshold ramp for getting over door frames, or large modular ramps that wheelchair users can have installed outside their homes.

Power Recliners
If getting in and out of your favorite chair has become more taxing than relaxing, a power recliner may be able to help you. They are ultra comfortable reclining chairs that do all of the work for you. They can get you from a standing position to a seated position, and vice versa, all while exerting little of your own energy.

Canes
Canes are designed for individuals who have difficulty maintaining their balance while walking. They’re available either as walking sticks (one point at the bottom), tripod canes (three points), or quad canes (four points). Which one is right for you will depend on how much added assistance you need while walking.

Walkers
Walkers are designed for individuals who have exceptional difficulty maintaining their balance when standing upright. They distribute more of a person’s weight throughout the frame than any cane is capable of. Walkers are available in models with 4 wheels, 2 wheels, or no wheels at all.

Crutches
Of all the mobility aids for seniors we’ve gone through so far, crutches are unique in that they require the recommendation of a medical professional in order to use them. Crutches are used in pairs and are typically designed for recovering from short-term injuries. They require good coordination in order to use them properly, so they’re not recommended for people with poor balance.

Conclusion

At Williams Lifts we’re happy to offer a selection of stair Lifts, ramps, and power Recliners. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, you’re welcome to contact us or visit our showroom for an in-person demonstration.