Most people value their independence and want to remain living in their own home. They do not want to live with a family member or move into a healthcare facility. They wish to “age in place”, in the comfort of their own home. The most important factors in determining if someone can continue to live independently are their safety, mobility, and ability to care for themselves. A fall with injuries can change these factors. Getting help quickly can be essential in the case of medical emergencies such as a heart attack, a stroke, or difficulty breathing.
Some medical devices or aids can help keep you or a loved one be safe while promoting independence in the comfort of home, enjoying the outdoors, or out in the community. Making it possible to “age in place” and remain active. Let’s take a look at some of these devices and aids. An emergency response system such as this one by Mobilehelp. Can help keep you or a loved one safe and possibly save their life.
It is a miss conception that having a cell phone is just as safe as having an emergency alert pendant or wristband alert. Cell phones can be easily forgotten or when someone falls they can become out of their reach. The fall could occur in the shower. A pendant or a wrist band is worn on the person and much more likely to be accessible when an emergency arises. A wristband is small and ideal for wearing at all times. It is unlikely to get in the way of an active individual.
Mobilehelp wristband
As a nurse, I have cared for many people that have laid on the floor or ground after a fall for hours waiting for someone to find them. Other seniors that I have cared for in skilled rehab. Have told me stories of having had to crawl with broken bones from their yard into the house to get to a phone. The injuries that result from a fall are not the only trauma that can occur.
Seniors that fall and lay on the floor or ground for some time. Can develop a life-threatening condition called rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is the result of muscle damage which can lead to acute kidney failure. This unnecessary suffering could be avoided with the help of a Mobilehelp emergency alert system.
Mobilehelp emergency alert pendants or wrist bands can easily be worn everywhere. Even in the shower, they are waterproof. Slippery surfaces lead to a lot of falls. Don’t try to take your cell phone in the shower!
Mobilehelp emergency alert system also works when a person is outside of their home. Mobilehelp was designed with the active senior in mind. The Mobilehelp system has GPS technology and nationwide cellular coverage. This allows you to bring your mobilehelp Solo system with you anywhere that has AT&T cellular coverage. You can have peace of mind when outside, traveling, or enjoying an active lifestyle, which only Mobilehelp medical alert system can offer. The GPS knows your location so help can get to you quickly, where ever you are if needed. You do not have to be within a certain number of feet from the base unit like most systems. If where you are enjoying being out and about has AT & T cellular coverage the Mobilehelp system will work.
mobilehelp solo
According to Web MD one in nine adults over 45 years old reports having issues with their memory. Medication compliance, and taking medication at the proper frequency and time is important to treat medical conditions. If not taken as prescribed you could have an adverse event and need to go to the ER. With Mobilehelp, you can add medication reminders to your service.
Mobilehelp has different features to fit your individual needs. You will have peace of mind knowing help is just a button push away. Call Mobilehelp now to discuss what your needs are with a company representative. So your Mobilehelp emergency alert system can be customized to your needs.
Prevent falls, what can be done?
The toll, a fall with injuries can have on a person is significant physically, mentally, and financially prevention is key. What can one do to prevent a fall? As we age we become weaker and our bones become more fragile. Having a daily exercise routine can improve strength and balance which is extremely important in preventing a fall. If you have chronic medical conditions you should discuss what exercise options are safe for you with your doctor. Here is a helpful article on exercise for seniors to give you some ideas.
Some medications have side effects that increase a person’s risk of falling such as dizziness, blurred vision, and sleepiness. The Centers for Disease Control has a fact sheet on medications that have been linked to falls. You can find it here. Some people are on multiple medications daily which can increase the risk of drug interactions. You should ask your pharmacist or doctor if any of the medications you take put you at a higher risk of falling. Make sure to include any over-the-counter medications you take in the discussion. If any of your medications do put you at a higher risk of falling discuss possible alternative medications. Ask if there are things you can do to decrease your risk of falling.
Vision problems such as glaucoma and cataracts can increase a person’s risk of falling. Having eye exams regularly is important. If you wear glasses changes can be made slowly to your prescription if you go to the eye doctor regularly. Significant changes to an eyeglass prescription can put you at an increased risk of falling as you adjust to the change. Keep areas well-lit when walking around your home. You can easily do this by getting a voice-activated system for your home like the Echo dot with Alexa and these compatible outlet plugs that will turn on lights when you tell it to. Place bright contrasting non-slip tape on stairs so they are easier to see. Always make sure pathways are clear of clutter.
Always wear well-fitting shoes or slippers with a gripping rubber sole. Do not wear open-back slippers or clog-type shoes that can slip off your feet. Do not walk around the house in socks, they easily cause you to slip on smooth floors. If you are unsteady with your balance do not just continue to navigate around your house holding on to furniture. Discuss getting a walker with your doctor and ask for a physical therapy consult to learn how to use it properly.
Fall prevention bathroom equipment
This is the one room in the house where a lot of falls occur. Due to slippery surfaces and rushing to use the toilet. Most people would prefer to not need assistance in the bathroom so they can maintain their privacy. There are many bathroom aids to help a person maintain independence and improve safety in the bathroom. Here are some equipment options to keep you safe and independent in the bathroom. If you do need the assistance of a caregiver they will appreciate having the proper equipment also.
- Grab bars and safety handles
- Raised toilet seats
- Hand-held shower heads
- Commodes
- Non-skid mat for tub or shower
- Tub transfer benches
- Shower/bath chairs
This is one deluxe shower chair set up, everything is easily within reach!
Tub transfer bench. Slide right in over the tub.
You can “age in place” or remain living in your home safely by preparing yourself and your home. Follow the tips to prevent falls. Get the proper items and equipment to improve your safety. Get an emergency alert system to get help quickly if you have a medical emergency.
