Older adults’ risk of falling may have increased during the pandemic due to declines in physical activity and mobility. Along with increased isolation, a University of Michigan poll shows that many also became more fearful of falling, which, in turn, can increase the risk.
“Taking steps now to reduce fall risk in their homes could prevent catastrophic injury and hospitalization,” said Geoffrey Hoffman, a fall researcher and assistant professor of nursing at the university.
Older people whose mobility declined during the first part of the pandemic were 70% more likely to say they’d had a fall in that time. Additionally, they are twice as likely to express a fear of falling, the poll revealed.
“Even if an older adult has gotten more active since getting vaccinated, their risk of falling could still be higher than it would have been if the pandemic hadn’t increased their inactivity or isolation,” Hoffman said in a university news release.
He offered some tips on fall-proofing older adults’ homes:
11 Ways to Prevent Falls during the Holiday
Rugs and mats: Cut pieces of non-skid material to fit underneath small throw rugs and mats. If they already have non-skid material, check that it still grips the floor. Throw rugs/mats should only be used on bare floors, not on top of carpet. Make sure bath mats have rubber backing in good condition.
Furniture placement: Offer to help move furniture and other objects to create wider walking paths.
Bathrooms: A grab rail in the tub/shower is a good idea. In addition, a rubber mat with suction cups or a stool with non-skid feet is also good. If possible, a walk-in shower is much better than a tub.
Lighting: Dark hallways, stairways, closets with high shelves and outdoor steps are fall risk areas. Install brighter light bulbs or new fixtures that take multiple bulbs. Also, add motion sensors so lights come on automatically when someone enters the area. You might also consider night lights that come on when it gets dark or have a motion sensor.
Safe reaching: Encourage use of a folding step stool that has multiple steps and a high hand rail instead of a small stool or chair. When seniors want to reach things on high shelves or change a light bulb, clock or smoke/carbon monoxide detector batteries, they need to have a sturdy base.
Sensible storage: Occasionally, help them reorganize storage to place items on lower shelves.
Railings and steps: Check railings on stairways and porch steps to make sure they’re securely anchored. If steps can become slippery, add stick-on traction strips.
Seasonal decor: Offer to bring holiday decorations and lights from the attic, an upstairs room or basement, and to help put them up.
Ice problems: Make sure older adults have a good supply of de-icer or sand to use on steps, walkways and driveways. For those who can’t easily lift a heavy jug, transfer the de-icer or sand to a container with a lid and add a scoop so they can scatter it more easily.
Snow removal: Make sure their snowblower is in good working order and that shovels, car scrapers and brushes are close at hand and in good shape. If an older person uses a shovel, it should have a back-saving handle to provide more stability when shoveling and prevent muscle strains.
More outdoor hazards: Make sure outdoor lights work and have automatic sensors. Check doormats to make sure they won’t slip. Clean gutters above entrances so melting snow doesn’t collect on steps and form ice.
https://aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2FB6B2A9-0715-4D3C-A5D1-76C175BC129D.jpeg5291125Crystal Di Fiorehttps://aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/logo-300x72.pngCrystal Di Fiore2021-12-22 11:44:032022-01-06 17:23:19During the Holidays, Help Protect the Elderly from Falls
Recent studies suggest that 29% of adults over the age of 65 will fall at least once annually.
10% of these “falling seniors” will fall at least twice annually.
After a fall, 25% of older adults will restrict their activity for at least a day or seek medical attention.
More serious injuries such as fractures, joint dislocations, sprains or strains, and concussions occur in approximately 10% of falls.
Rhabdomyolysis, (a breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue) can develop in people who are unable to get up after a fall and remain “down” for a long period of time.
47% of senior adults who fall must have help from another person to get up.
After the fall occurs, a fear of falling again develops in 21-39% who previously had no such fear. Senior adults who fear falling again may restrict their activity and therefore will have a reduced quality of life.
The “Why” of Falls
Most falls result from a combination of intrinsic risks (such as balance impairment) and extrinsic risks (such as a trip or slip). Deficits in gait and balance are the greatest intrinsic factors. Medications, (including over-the-counter drugs), Alcohol, Visual problems, and impairments of cognition and mood remain among the top causes of falls.
Evaluation
Annual screening is recommended for all seniors in community-based living. This is important because seniors do not volunteer information about a previous fall. Screening questions should include information about the number of falls during the past year, as well as whether or not a fear of falling has limited their daily activity.
The Mayo Clinic has developed a very simple fall risk evaluation. Place the test subject in a chair with a mark 10 feet in front of the chair. On command, the subject will rise, go to the mark, and return to a seated position. If the subject completes the task in less than 10 seconds they are considered “normal” for fall risk. 10-20 seconds places the subject in a “moderate risk” for falls and greater than 20 seconds places them in a “high risk” category for falls.
Exercise should be encouraged in all seniors if they can. Those seniors who participated in fall prevention exercises were found to reduce their risk of falling by 23% as compared to a control group that did not exercise. Other studies show that exercise may reduce the number of falls resulting in fractures by as much as 27%.
Tai chi has been proven to be effective in reducing fall rates by as much as 19% when participants used tai chi 1-3 times per week for at least 13 -48 weeks.
Surprisingly, walking is included in many exercise programs but on its own has not been shown to prevent falls.
Assessment
Assessment of gait, strength, and balance is an important early step in fall evaluation. A thorough medication review is also highly recommended. Medications which cause sedation, confusion, or orthostatic hypotension, (a sudden drop of blood pressure when standing) are leading causes. Eye exams are recommended every 1-2 years for adults over 65 years old. Evaluation of cognition and mood are needed to assess fall risk in seniors. Bone density studies are recommended especially for women over the age of 65. Osteoporosis is a major contributing factor to fall which results in hip or other fractures.
Overall, the senior adults in community-based living are at no more of a risk for falls than those that still live at home. They do have a support structure that, if evaluation, assessment, and preventative exercise are properly used can significantly reduce the risk or falling as well as breaking the cycle of fall-fear falling- fall again. This fear of falling cycle can greatly reduce the quality of life and can also make the risk of falling even greater than before. Proper exercise which focuses on increasing strength, balance, and range of motion can be a major force in reducing falls. It should be the focus of all senior living communities to keep seniors “upright” and enjoying these “Golden Years” of their life with as much smiling, love, and happiness as can be humanly possible.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing Medical Alarms in St. Louis MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms. Call Us: 877.449.5566
https://aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/LARGE-bigstock-195462064_preview.jpg8001200Austin Bollingerhttps://aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/logo-300x72.pngAustin Bollinger2021-03-12 16:37:562021-04-16 11:06:03Falls Revisited in Community Living - By Les Tainter
It’s that time of year where many of us start thinking about end of winter “Spring Cleaning!”
Purging our homes of things that are no longer used, needed, or wanted, will make us feel less overwhelmed. Not only will it help to organize our lives, but it can also be an opportunity to help others. Additionally, if we reduce the clutter in our homes, we can reduce the risk of falls. This is an important fact to remember for those seniors, typically living alone, who are already at risk of falling.
If there are things that you are removing from your household, think about donating it to a charity that will help those in need. Never think that what you have to offer is insignificant. There will always be someone out there that needs what you have to give.
Today, we took a car load of “stuff” to the Safe House for Women Thrift Store. They are an awesome charitable group that helps our community. They have this “wish list” of items they need — give if you can….
https://aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_5265.jpg14871125Linda Basshttps://aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/logo-300x72.pngLinda Bass2021-01-21 16:20:122021-01-22 15:27:42Time to Clean the Clutter!
Did you know that 1 of every 3 seniors, aged 65 or older, will have a fall this year? Do you know that 80% of all falls occur within or immediately around a person’s home? Have you (or someone you know) fallen and laid there for hours or days, because you were unable to get help?
These questions give great concern to Linda Bass, as long-time southeast Missouri resident and owner of Around the Clock Medical Alarms.
In 1972, Linda’s mother died and she was “adopted” by her retired grandparents. This situation is more prevalent in today’s society, but was unheard of at that time. As the primary caregiver for her grandparents, Linda lived the same challenges that families face today in helping to care for their aging loved ones. She has worked her entire adult life in the medical field by working in various capacities in hospital settings and medical offices, was owner of Comfort Keepers in Cape Girardeau, MO from 2000-2005, and was a marketing representative for two local hospice agencies. It is obvious that she has a special affinity for the elderly.
“I know that I worried when my grandparents did not answer the telephone, because my mind always went to the unthinkable….”, states Bass. In 2012, her father-in-law suffered from COPD and heart issues. Again, she found herself facing those same kind of fears, because he was alone during the day. “What if…worried me!”
After exploring the local options available, she found that none could meet her dads needs. Due to the size of the pendant, she knew he would not wear it. additionally, she found that some providers have limited service areas. “That,” says Bass, “is when I decided to explore other options and eventually started Around the Clock Medical Alarms. I needed to feel security that Dad was okay to be alone while I was at work. A medical alarm could help me to feel better about that situation.”
According to Ruth Dockins, former public information director at Aging Matters, (previously Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging), “If you live alone or are concerned about elderly loved ones who still live at home, a medical alert system is worth taking seriously. The thing I would look for is one where you didn’t have to sign a contract”, she says. “One where you can pay on a monthly basis and there is no contract and no hookup fees. One where I could just bring into the house and turn it on. I would want one that was answered by a live person.”
Around the Clock Medical Alarms is just what Linda and Ruth ordered. Since they are a nationwide provider, they can help anyone, anywhere in the U.S. and have rate plans to meet any budget. NO contract means that it can be used on a short-term basis — even post operatively! “No one has a time ticker or a crystal ball,” muses Bass. “So, how can an elderly or ill person be asked to commit to a 3 year contract? This is just unreasonable!”
Bass concludes, “My goal is to help provide my clients (and their families) the peace of mind knowing that help is available at the push of a button 24/7, 365 — regardless of whether they can speak or not — Around the Clock.”
https://aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/LARGE-bigstock-195462064_preview.jpg8001200Linda Basshttps://aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/logo-300x72.pngLinda Bass2020-10-28 10:21:592020-11-25 15:48:19Why A Medical Alert System Is Worth Taking Seriously
Episode 49 of the Senior Care Industry Netcast is live!
We were fortunate enough to have Linda Bass, https://aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.com, on our show and she offered some great insight and #advice for other #seniorcare and #healthcare providers.
About This Episode:
Meet Linda Bass
Linda Bass, Owner, Around the Clock Medical Alarms
Answering Service available after hours & on weekends to assist whenever your need arises.
Full Transcript:
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
This is Valerie Vanbooven with the Senior Care Industry NetCast where leaders with three or more years of experience in the senior care industry share their advice. It’s six questions in nine minutes, so let’s get to it.
In a few sentences, tell us who you are and what you do?
Linda Bass:
Good morning. My name is Linda Bass. I am the owner of Around the Clock Medical Alarms. We are a nationwide provider of the PERS device, which is a personal emergency response service. Basically, it’s the button. We are here to help people to maintain their independence, to stay safe at home as long as they possibly can.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
I know you do a great job with that.
What is the best thing about serving seniors and their families?
Linda Bass:
I think the best thing that I get from my job is the ability to help individuals to maintain their independence, to age in place, to enable them to have the peace of mind that they can stay at home rather than feeling like their only option is to move in with their kids or go to a community.
Linda Bass:
Those things are good, but you know statistically people can live in their homes, on average, six years longer if they have a PERS device. It is very, very important for people to realize the benefit that the assurance they get, the ability to get help in an emergency situation, and it doesn’t necessarily only have to be lights and sirens. It could be they don’t feel good and they want their kids to come check on them.
Linda Bass:
Rather than risk standing to get to a phone to call someone for help and risk falling, they can set where they’re at, push their button and our response center would get that help that they need.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
I can personally attest to this because my husband’s mother had a PERS device for years and years, and I will tell you that if she hadn’t had that she would have been in assisted living or nursing home care a lot sooner.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
Now she’s 86 years old and she is in a nursing home. She has severe mobility issues now, but she was at home with her necklace or her wristband on, and I can say she probably used it over those years maybe three or four times. But those three or four times kept her from having a serious injury, serious fall.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
In a couple of cases, she did need to go to the emergency room, but it wasn’t anything that couldn’t be fixed, and we were so glad that she had a way to get a hold of Charlie’s sister or us or someone to come over and check on her. They really are lifesavers.
Linda Bass:
Absolutely.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
All right. Let’s switch gears for a second and talk a little bit about online marketing because you have a nationwide business, and you have a website and folks can go to your website, which we will put with your video, your interview here, so people can locate you and talk to you about whatever it is that they have questions about. I understand that online marketing can be challenging. We know it’s ever changing.
What has been your experience or your thoughts with online marketing?
Linda Bass:
Well, to sum it up, my grandmother was born in 1909 and she was proverbially always giving words of wisdom, tidbits. One of her favorite things that she said whenever things were just overwhelming was that you had to be a Philadelphia lawyer to understand how to make that operate or to make it work. I feel like that is absolutely true because the rules are constantly changing.
Linda Bass:
My expertise is not in trying to market my business. My expertise is to help people to realize that we’re an option, and to be able to enabling them to get our service so that they can be protected, so that they can get the help they need. To advertise is very important for any business, I don’t care who you are, but it’s difficult to know all the rules and all the guidelines. As I said, you got to be a Philadelphia lawyer.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
Yeah, you do. It’s definitely one of those things where you really want to… You’re an expert at what you do, and we need experts like you everywhere to help people stay in their homes longer. But to be an expert on online marketing is a whole nother full time job, for sure.
Linda Bass:
Absolutely, and kudos to those who have the knowledge and the expertise to do that.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
Okay. Let’s talk about your experience and folks that have maybe made an impression on your career or your life. I’m sure there are other folks out there, whether they’re in the industry or maybe your parents, grandparents, or organizations that you just feel like do a really good job.
Is there anybody you’d like to give a shout out to?
Linda Bass:
Well, I think we’re all a product of our experiences. In 1972, I was six years old and my mother passed away. My grandparents on my dad’s side stepped up and actually took me on to raise. They were both retired and that was unheard of back then. It’s pretty common today. However, back then it was not.
Linda Bass:
As a result of that, my experience with my upbringing and my ability to understand what families go through, it was learned at a very early age. They taught me things that I could never repay them for the knowledge that they instilled in me and the values. But they also enabled me to realize that my calling in life is to help older folks because that’s what I’ve done all my life.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
Nice.
Linda Bass:
I think that that is where we all learn from past experiences that it makes us who we are. My grandparents helped me to become a person that I am so glad because, honestly, I was born in a big city and I was taken away from that environment and put on a 120 acre farm in the middle of nowhere.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
Yeah.
Linda Bass:
Going back to visit friends as I was growing up in that city. I remember one visit with a girl that was my best friend and I was probably about 11 or 12 years old. I went to visit her, ran up to her. She was having a pool party in the backyard. She had an above ground pool and she looked at me and she smoked on a cigarette and looked me up and down and said, “Oh yeah. I remember you.”
Linda Bass:
I felt so uncomfortable, and I looked at my sister-in- law and I said, “Well, it’s nice seeing you again,” and I walked away and as we were walking down the driveway, I looked at my sister-in-law and I said, “I think, Barbara, you need to take me back to the farm.” Because it was an entirely different situation, and I know that had I been left in that environment, I would be a totally different person than I am today.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
You know what? I totally agree. You know what? There’s something to be said about the 120 acre farm. It’s a lot of hard work.
Linda Bass:
Cows, chickens, pigs, horses, we had them all. Garden, we had it all.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
We live in a very suburban community, but our school district is a farming community and the girls are just mesmerized. I mean, we live in a small, very small school district with lots and lots of farms and kids that are raised on farms a lot of them out here. I always tell them, you need to go to somebody’s house and learn what this is like because it’s a lot of hard work, but it’s so rewarding. This is a great life.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
Anyway, I love it that you were raised on a farm. I think that’s amazing. I was the little city girl, but I would go to my grandmother’s house in Kentucky and city girl was afraid of bugs and afraid of everything outside. I got a lot of ribbing for that because I was afraid of bugs.
Linda Bass:
Right.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
Yeah. I love farm life. All right. What piece of advice would you give to other senior care providers out there?
Linda Bass:
Well, I think the main thing that I would like to relay is that we are in this together and our goal is to help senior populous, or those that are ill, to be able to maintain their independence, to stay safe, to live their life in their homes and with the quality of life that they deserve, and integrity.
Linda Bass:
What I would ask is that we work together. When we are with our clients or we hear something that our client says to us regarding a change in their health, or ask them, “Do you need extra assistance? What kind of things do you think you would be in need of?” And relay that to their families, because a lot of times we can be a trusted advisor, but we can also be a confidant.
Linda Bass:
If we reach out to our customers when we are able to speak with them, listen to what they say, help them to be able to find the resources that are available because there’s a lot of resources out there. Enable them to trust you. Don’t go tattletale to their family, but reach out to their family and just express your concern and tell them, I don’t want to break this trust because we want future communication between the two of us also.
Linda Bass:
That will enable them to have a better life and a better quality of life, and to enable them to get the help they need rather than waiting until it’s too late. A lot of times they won’t tell anybody, not even their doctor, even if they have a fall. If there’s not visible signs, they’re not going to tell anybody. But if you have that relationship with that individual and they trust you, they will talk to you. Listen, and then share that and forward that on so that they can get the help they need.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
Very good advice, and I love the advice of sharing resources. Because, for instance, a home care agency has a lot of clients that probably would benefit from introducing a personal emergency response system. If they want to keep that client at home and in home care, having that device available and on that person is probably the best idea ever.
Linda Bass:
Absolutely.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
Because that’ll keep them in home care, but also keep them at home.
Linda Bass:
Right. Well, the thing is, is that a medical alert can be an extension of that home care service because they are there 24/7 with that person when your caregiver is not. If Mrs. Smith has an event, say she falls and her family is aware that she fell or the home care agency itself can be a responder and be notified. If you are aware of that situation, then you can be more proactive in their care. You can assist them, because it may be that that person has a urinary tract infection and they just need an antibiotic.
Linda Bass:
But if they fall and they do not have any signs of that, they don’t have any bruising or anything and visible to the caregiver, and the caregiver is not aware, if she falls later because the progression of that UTI, she would then possibly lose her independence. Because if something happens like that and she gets hurt, her family’s going to say, “Well, that’s not going to happen again,” they yank them a lot of times.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
Yeah.
Linda Bass:
Collaboratively, we can help them to be able to be proactive rather than reactive to the care of those individuals, and we’re there when they’re not. It’s a wonderful relationship, and we do work with agencies in that regard, but I’m trying to help people to realize that that is very important, that they need advocates everywhere.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
Yeah. Absolutely, and I’m glad you said UTI because I will say that the biggest challenges that I saw with Charlie’s mom and some of the things that happened there was when she got a UTI, for whatever reason, that was the biggest challenge. That’s the moment she couldn’t get up out of bed by herself. That’s the moment that she fell. Those are the things that… Because it took a toll on her joints. I know people get confused as well when they get a UTI, and it’s not really apparent as to what’s wrong, but something that simple to fix could easily be the reason that they’re falling.
Linda Bass:
Right.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
I don’t know how else to explain it, but it would really affect her joints, that UTI, terribly. She would have a hard time with mobility on top of her other issues with mobility.
Linda Bass:
Right. Right. It just adds fuel to the fire, unfortunately. Again, awareness, being proactive, looking and trying to listen and make sure that they deserve the best quality care that they can, and we can help together to be able to assist them in that regard.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. All right. My last question is supposed to be a fun one.
Linda Bass:
Okay.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
When you have a win in life, and that could be anything. It could be a marriage, it could be a new baby in the family, it could be a birthday, or it could be that you just know today, you helped somebody.
How do you like to celebrate?
Linda Bass:
Typically what I do is a no cook Friday.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
Yeah. I’m going to use that.
Linda Bass:
We go to our favorite restaurant, and we like a Mexican restaurant here in town, and go and just enjoy the food. Of course, with COVID, it’s been a little difficult to do, but that is really my go to. Just to relax and have a margarita and not have to cook. That’s always win/win.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
Right. No cook Monday through Friday.
Linda Bass:
Any day that ends in day.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
Yeah. No cook Friday. That’s a good one. I haven’t had that one before. I’ve had martinis.
Linda Bass:
Hopefully, that could become a trend.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
Yeah, I’ve had martinis. I’ve had all kinds of dancing but no cook Friday.
Linda Bass:
No cook Friday. Bring on the celebration.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
All right. Yeah. Okay. That’s good. Well, I want to thank you for being on the show and for helping us learn more about what you do and that you’re nationwide and that we’ll make sure your website’s, like I said, available if folks are wanting to know more about what a personal emergency response system is, and you showed us your necklace.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
I’m sure most people have seen the commercial with the necklace or the bracelet. They also can be very pretty now. I know that a lot of people will say, “Oh, well, you know.” But they have some really pretty necklaces to go with them now. I mean, they can be a fashion statement like they didn’t use to be.
Linda Bass:
Absolutely. Absolutely.
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:
I will make sure everybody has your information, so thank you, Linda. We appreciate it.
Linda Bass:
Thank you. Appreciate it.
https://aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/LINDA-BASS-AROUND-THE-CLOCK-MEDICAL-ALARMS.jpg6541165Austin Bollingerhttps://aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/logo-300x72.pngAustin Bollinger2020-09-18 15:19:062020-10-30 15:23:39Linda Bass Appeared On The Senior Care Industry Netcast with Valerie VanBooven RN BSN!
A person who falls once is twice as likely to fall again. That’s definitely something that you want to avoid as you grow older, but what are the most common fall risks?
General Decline in Overall Fitness
A great many aging adults find themselves more sedentary than they used to be and that has a dramatic effect on muscles, flexibility, and balance. Becoming more active can help with this, but that comes with a certain amount of risk if you’ve already lost some fitness. Talk to your doctor about the best way to regain some of your overall physical fitness safely.
Illness or Injury
Illnesses or injury, especially surgeries, can cause serious problems in regard to fall risk. You may find yourself unable to move in the ways that you need to in order to be mobile safely and that’s a big problem. Depending on the type of surgery, you may also be using assistive devices you’re not as familiar with and that can be tricky.
Medication Side Effects
All medications have side effects, even ones you’ve taken for a while. In the past, those side effects might not have seemed like they were that big a deal, but as you add more medications or as your body chemistry changes, that can change very quickly. Dizziness, drowsiness, and more complicated side effects like lowered blood pressure can all have a huge effect on your ability to avoid a fall.
Trouble Seeing Obstacles
You can’t avoid what you can’t see and that’s why it’s important to get your vision checked regularly. Your eye doctor can help to determine if your vision is changing to the extent that you should be taking more steps toward protecting yourself as you move through the world. It might be important to increase lighting in your home, for example, if you are experiencing low vision.
Hazards in the Environment
The environment you spend the majority of your time in can also be a risk factor. If you’ve got a lot of clutter or there are loose rugs in your home, that can very quickly turn into a hazard. It’s a good idea to periodically do safety sweeps of your home to determine if there’s anything that poses a new or especially dangerous fall risk.
Having a medical alarm with fall detection can be a huge help if you or someone you love experiences one or more of these risk factors. The fall detection device works automatically to not only detect a possible fall but to put in motion the steps that get help on the way as quickly as possible.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are one of the leading causes of fatal injury and hospitalization for senior adults. One in four Americans aged 65+ fall each year. Every 11 seconds an older adult is treated in the Emergency Room for a fall; every 19 minutes an older adult will die from a fall. With falls to senior adults so dangerous and so common, how do we prevent them from happening?
BALANCE
The first key to fall prevention is improving balance. Consult your physician or physical therapist to explore exercises that are appropriate for improving balance. Many of these exercises use common household items such as chairs or stairs to strengthen the core muscles and other muscle groups involved in maintaining balance. If you want to stay upright, you must maintain and improve your balance.
STRENGTH
Weakness, especially in the lower extremities is directly responsible for most falls. The legs simply “giving out” on the senior adult from a lack of strength puts many seniors on the floor. Your physician or physical therapist can provide some simple exercises that are appropriate for you to accomplish in the home. Strength training does not require a trip to the gym, but it does require persistent and regular exercise to help eliminate falls. The CDC states: “50 hours of exercise, (2 times weekly for one hour for 25 weeks is needed before fall incident rates are lowered significantly”.
RANGE OF MOTION
One of the simplest and perhaps effective of the 3 keys to reducing falls is to increase range of motion. Stretching is one of the most commonly overlooked daily activities for many senior adults. The shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, back, hips, and legs all benefit from regular stretching. One of the most effective methods of stretching is following a shower or bath when the body’s muscles are warm and easier to stretch. This allows further stretching with less pain and discomfort. By eliminating a limited range of motion falls can be prevented.
Those senior adults who choose to use these 3 keys to fall prevention can greatly lessen their chance of becoming one of those fall statistics. Again, it is important to consult with your physician and/or physical therapist to be sure the exercise you choose is safe and effective for your specific goals for preventing falls. Each of these 3 keys can be accomplished in the safety and security of a home without purchasing any expensive equipment. These keys can be effective for those senior adults who wish not to fall, (or fall again), and see their overall health decline from the injury and the subsequent therapy and treatment from dangerous falls. Confidence and Longevity can be the “treasures” unlocked by these 3 simple keys.
https://aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/LARGE-bigstock-Fall-5078139_preview.jpg12001770Austin Bollingerhttps://aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/logo-300x72.pngAustin Bollinger2020-08-18 16:42:402020-09-02 18:25:213 Keys to Fall Prevention
Recovery after surgery is vital and ensuring safety post-operation is a critical step. Preparing the home and taking a few precautions will be a lifeline for those who have recently been discharged from the hospital. Here are five tips.
Tips for Recovering Safely After Surgery
1. Stock Up
Whether you will be on a restricted diet after your procedure or you will have limited mobility, a stocked freezer and pantry will help. Prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them, and make sure to have nonperishable staples in the cupboard, so you have plenty of options. Good nutrition is vital for your recovery, making a well-stocked kitchen a top step.
2. Consider Home Care
You may need help with a variety of tasks after surgery, from bathing to changing bandages. Look into a home caregiver or visiting nurse who can assist with certain necessities in the few days after you get home. Always set up the first appointment before you leave the hospital, so there is no gap in care.
3. Stay on the First Floor
If your home has multiple levels, move onto the first floor for the duration of your recovery. Set up a sleeping area, so you don’t have to go up and down stairs, and make sure to have easy access to essentials like a bathroom.
4. Boost Safety
Remove clutter, so there is nothing in your way that can cause falls or injuries, especially if moving about is more difficult post-surgery. Set up nightlights for moving in the dark, and wear slippers, flat shoes, or socks with non-skid grips on the bottom to reduce slip risks. Also, consider adding a shower seat and handrails in the bathroom for extra safety, as well as lifeline equipment like medical alert necklaces in case something happens while you are alone.
5. Ask About Limitations
Speak with your doctor to learn what you can and can’t do, and how long you must wait to return to your regular activity. Ask about driving, traveling, and returning to work. Also, find out about possible side effects to watch for and what to do if you feel them, such as fever, pain, nausea, dizziness, and lethargy.
If you or a loved one has recently been released from the hospital after surgery, you want to ensure safety at all costs. That is where Around the Clock Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO, comes in. Their goal is to help individuals stay secure and independent in their own space by way of their medical alarm systems. These personal items are small and waterproof but have a range the size of three football fields to guarantee you have a lifeline when you need it most. Their knowledgeable team also provides 24-hour customer service, so you have a friendly, personal emergency response system any time of day. Call (573) 334-7233 for more on their medical alert bracelets and necklaces, or visit their website for more on their products
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A Medical Alert is NOT ONLY for an Elder Person Who Falls!
Worry Free
Worrying about an elderly loved one or one that suffers from a chronic illness is normal. Reduce your anxiety with state-of-the-art medical alert systems from Around the Clock Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO. These products make it safer for elderly or ill individuals to live independently in their own homes, giving their loved ones peace of mind.
Stay Safe
Keep your loved one safe and sound with this medical alert system. Their small and discreet personal help button can be worn as a bracelet or a necklace. When your loved one presses the panic button, they will immediately be put in touch with the response center, and the responder will stay in contact with the user until help has arrived. All equipment, including medical alert bracelets and necklaces and the cellular or landline base units, comes with a lifetime warranty. Feel free to ask about monitored and unmonitored medication dispensers as well.
EMD Certified Response
Their emergency response center prides themselves on the qualifications of their staff, all of whom are trained and certified Emergency Medical Dispatch specialists, who are available 24/7, 365. All responders are prompt with their communication, answering all calls within 22 seconds and alerting police, the fire department, and family and friends, depending on the situation. They can also transfer you to a language line that features translators in over 150 languages.
Peace of Mind
Give yourself and your loved ones true peace of mind with a medical alert system from Around the Clock Medical Alarms. Visit them online or call (877) 449-5566 for more information.
Around The Clock Medical Alarms
1353 N Mount Auburn Rd
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Direct: (573) 334-7233 or Toll Free: (877) 449-5566
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A PERS device—a personal emergency response system—is a medical alert bracelet, necklace, or mobile monitor that allows you to summon help in an emergency even if you can’t reach your phone. Many devices have additional features tailored to meet particular needs. Here’s why a PERS device may benefit you.
You Live Alone
If you share a home, you can call out for help when you need it. However, if you live alone, or if the people in your household are away most of the day, an emergency alert system helps you stay secure while alone and maintain independence. It summons help in any emergency, including break-ins, fires, medical complications, falls, and injuries.
Need Help to Stay Active
If fear of falling or mobility or vision issues keep you at home, PERS devices will give you the security you need to venture out. They continue to operate when you’re running errands, visiting a doctor, or socializing with friends. They’re equipped with GPS to help loved ones and emergency personnel find you. If you have an emergency while you’re away from home or get lost or stranded, an emergency response center will help you make it safely home.
Require Health Management
Many PERS devices also include alarms and monitoring features to track health conditions. They may monitor your heart rate, respiration, and activity levels, alerting you when it’s time for medication or when you’re experiencing a dangerous arrhythmia. The device will not only inform you but also send a message to a loved one or an emergency response team about your condition.
If you need the lifeline a PERS device offers, call Around the Clock Medical Alarmsin Cape Girardeau, MO. They supply equipment and devices to clients across the country to facilitate 24/7 access to emergency medical dispatch (EMD) teams and trained and certified response specialists. Call (573) 334-7233 to speak to a representative, or visit their website to learn more about how they save lives.
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LINDA BASS AROUND THE CLOCK MEDICAL ALARMS
If your home has multiple levels, move onto the first floor for the duration of your recovery. Set up a sleeping area, so you don’t have to go up and down stairs, and make sure to have easy access to essentials like a bathroom.
If fear of falling or mobility or vision issues keep you at home, PERS devices will give you the security you need to venture out. They continue to operate when you’re running errands, visiting a doctor, or socializing with friends. They’re equipped with GPS to help loved ones and emergency personnel find you. If you have an emergency while you’re away from home or get lost or stranded, an emergency response center will help you make it safely home.
