Roll Mobility Blog
How To Prevent Falls On Stairs
Accidents are an unfortunate part of life, but none of us likes the idea of experiencing pain or discomfort as a result of an accident within our own home. Unfortunately, slips, trips and falls are incredibly common – in the workplace, on the street and even on our own staircases. Falls on stairs may be more common in elderly individuals who may suffer from visual impairment or poor balance, but the ways to prevent falls on stairs are the same for all age demographics.
Handrails reduce the risk of falling on the stairs.
To prevent falls on stairs, follow these tips:
1. Invest in better lighting.
It may seem a strange suggestion, but lighting plays a major role in how easy or safe a staircase can be. Poorly lit areas make it harder for individuals to distinguish where steps start and end, and this can lead to insecure footing and falls or slips.
The trick is to make sure the light is well positioned to increase visibility across the entire length and width of the staircase. Use a suitable wattage bulb to suit the visibility needs which you have. Having a light switch at the top and bottom of the staircase is also recommended.
2. Secure the flooring.
It’s not just what’s above you that is important – what sits below is equally vital. With staircases, loose carpet or rugs and mats can pose a real risk to users. This is because they are unstable and can move underfoot, resulting in potentially dangerous accidents.
To cut down on the likelihood of experiencing a trip or fall on the staircase, make sure that any carpet is secured down professionally. If you notice loose edges or frayed threads, then get them corrected as soon as possible, as small problems like this can soon escalate.
It also recommended to keep any loose mats or rugs away from areas which surround the staircase. The edges of these can curl, providing the perfect catalyst to a trip or fall when caught by your foot. Eliminate this risk by using mats and rugs in another area.
3. Evaluate the staircase.
Another tip you can use to reduce your chances of falling on the stairs is to evaluate your staircase from an impartial perspective. You can get mathematical and look at step geometry (which analyzes different dimensions on the staircase) as well as looking at other practical considerations – such as whether there is sufficient support provided by handrails.
The safest staircases are those framed by handrails which run the entire length of the staircase on either side, but there are other options. Those who really struggle with the stairs, not just through fear of falling but because of poor mobility or aching joints, can use stairlifts instead. These offer a comfortable seat which travels the length of the staircase in both directions and helps reduce falls as a result.
This article is written on behalf of Stannah Stairlifts, who provide mobility aids to rent or purchase.
Image Credit: A. Schaeffer on stock.xchng
4 Tips for Baby Boomers Caring for Aging Parents
When it comes to caring for aging parents, it's important to know your own limits.
For baby boomers, the stress of caring for aging parents along with caring for your own family is one that leads to guilt, second guessing, and heartbreaking decisions. Even if you’ve planned for the day when your aging parents would need more care, it’s not easy to find the balance between caring for yourself, your family, and your parents.
Use these tips to help you through the tough but rewarding experience of caring for your elderly parents.
1. Know your limits.
When you’re in the middle of a stressful situation, you don’t always realize the pressure you’re under until the situation is over. Take the time to evaluate your response to stress so that you know when enough is enough. Do you get irritable? Frustrated? Do you stop exercising or taking care of yourself? Do you start eating more junk food or zoning out in front of the television?
Ask a trusted family member or friend to let you know if they start to notice changes in your behavior that could signal a need for something to change in your life, whether that’s hiring a caregiver, asking for more help from friends or family, or taking a much-needed break from caregiving for a period of time.
2. Encourage your parents to stay independent as long as possible.
The more your parents can do for themselves, the better they will feel. Helping your parents stay independent might mean making a few changes to their home, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom, placing a bath seat in the tub or shower, or helping them learn how to use a walking cane or rolling walker to keep their balance and get around the house without falling.
If needed, hire an independent contractor or find resources in your community to help you evaluate the safety of your parents’ home and make changes as needed. You should also be aware of basic fall prevention tips such as making sure there are no loose rugs your parent could trip over and making sure hallways and bathrooms are lit at night.
3. Communicate with other family members and caregivers.
Lack of communication between family members is one of the greatest sources of stress for boomers caring for their parents. Although you’ll each have different opinions and ideas about what’s best for mom and dad, it’s important to hear each other out and be willing to compromise.
Make sure that individual responsibilities are clear, such as taking care of financial issues, home and lawn care, and taking a parent to the doctor or other outings.
4. Ask for help before you need it.
Don’t wait until you’re exhausted before asking for help. You’ll be able to take better care of your parents if you build in enough rest time to avoid getting burned out. Along with practical caregiving help, you should also be able to rely on your support system for emotional resilience, a listening ear, and guidance for making decisions on how to care for your aging parents. Although it can be a stressful experience at times, it can also be a very rewarding one!
Bathroom Safety Products
Falls in the bathroom are one of the greatest risks for aging parents living at home. Make sure your parents stay safe with a bath bench or shower stool, grab bars, and an elevated toilet seat. Free shipping on all orders to the lower 48 U.S.!
Aging in Place: Personal Wellness for Preventing Falls
Use a walker or rollator if recommended by your healthcare practitioner.
What causes falls in the home? One cause is the state of your home, such as slippery floors, loose carpet on the stairs, or poor lighting in a cluttered hallway. The other cause is an individual’s personal health and well-being. Weak legs, poor posture, fading eyesight, and side effects from your medications can all contribute to the likelihood of a fall.
The good news is that you can take steps to enhance your well-being and prevent falls.
1. Exercise.
“If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it” is true when it comes to muscle strength and balance. Regular exercise strengthens your muscles and improves your balance, thereby reducing your chances of falling. Better coordination and flexibility are also a bonus.
Gentle exercise programs such as yoga and Tai chi are popular with seniors. Even seated exercises enhance your health. The important thing is to get your body moving, at least several times a week.
2. Get your vision checked.
Poor eyesight makes it difficult to see tripping hazards or to see dips and rises in the path ahead of you. Get your vision checked regularly, and make sure your prescription eyeglasses are up to date.
If you need to wear glasses, put them on even for short trips to the bathroom at night. Turn on the lights if you need to walk to the kitchen or bathroom during the night. Better lighting will help you judge depth and distance as you walk.
3. Use a cane or walker, if prescribed.
If your healthcare provider has recommended the use of a cane, walker, or rollator, make sure you use the mobility device around the house. Thinking that you don’t need your cane or walker “just this once” could lead to a fall. Keeping your mobility sometimes requires assistance, even if you don’t think you need it.
4. Know the side effects.
Ask your healthcare provider about the side effects of any medications or over-the-counter supplements that you are currently taking. Take note if any of them cause drowsiness, dizziness, or disorientation. These conditions may increase the risk of falling.
If your medications cause these side effects, your healthcare provider may recommend using a cane or walker for balance. They may also be able to switch you to a different medication with fewer side effects.
Preventing Falls on Stairs
Make sure stairs are free of snow and ice in the winter before use.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for seniors. Since most seniors prefer to age at home, this often means navigating stairs, both inside and outside the house. Here are some tips for safely navigating stairs.
1. Make sure the steps are easy to see.
The stairway should be well-lighted, with enough light to clearly see as you go up or down the stairs. There should be a light at the top and bottom of the stairs, along with a light switch at the top and bottom. Place a nightlight near the stairs so that it’s easy to find the light switch at night.
Avoid treads or carpet that is visually distracting. Random patterns (such as brightly colored geometric designs) make it harder to distinguish where each step begins and ends. Replace crazy-patterned treads or carpet with a more neutral design.
To increase visibility, paint the edge of each step with a contrasting color. This is especially helpful for seniors with poor vision.
2. Replace or repair treads, if needed.
Lose carpet or treads on the stairs can be a tripping hazard. So can loose rugs at the top and bottom of the stairwell. Nail down treads firmly, and make sure carpet is securely attached to the steps. The treads should be slip-resistant, with enough traction to prevent shoes or socks from slipping on the surface.
3. Install handrails on both sides.
At minimum, you should install a handrail on one side of the steps. Two handrails (one on each side) are even better, and we highly recommend handrails on each side for wide stairwells and for outdoor steps.
Even if there are only one or two steps, handrails are strongly recommended. All it takes is one wrong step to cause a fall.
4. Make sure the steps are clear.
This applies to both indoor and outdoor stairs. Indoor stairwells should be free of clutter. Don’t use stairs for storage. Outdoor stairs should be swept free of leaves, branches, and other debris. In the winter, they should be cleared of snow and ice before use.
Image Credit: seapixel on stock.xchng
10 Tips on Aging at Home for Seniors
Use a threshold ramp for doorways and raised floors.
Thanks to Michael Sauri, president of TriVistaUSA, for providing the following tips on aging at home for seniors. TriVistaUSA was recognized by Remodeling Magazine as one of the “Big 50″ Remodelers in the United States.
According to research from the AARP, nearly 90% of seniors would prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. This trend is referred to as “aging in place.” From the point of view of a remodeler, aging in place means making sure that people have the best designed space but have no barriers to access or independent living.
If you want to age in place, here are ten basics you need to consider:
1. Accessibility
The first concern in making a house friendly for wheelchairs or arthritic limbs is an entrance without steps. Some individuals feel that a wheelchair ramp in the front of the house can spoil the look and feel of their home.
As an alternative, we suggest adding a wrap-around porch, with a ramp at the back of the house that matches the porch material so that there is no aesthetic break. The ramp can lead right to the garage or to the place where the car is parked. Also, a porch will allow a person in a wheelchair to sit outside.
2. Wider doorways and hallways
Doors and hallways that are wide enough for a wheelchair, rollator, or walker are especially important for movement within a house. The modern trend is towards more open space with fewer walls and bigger rooms. Wide doors and hallways make a house look and feel luxurious.
3. Low or no thresholds
Different floor coverings require thresholds—those bumps in the path of internal flow. Using consistent flooring throughout the house—whether you choose wood, laminate or tile—eliminates the need for thresholds. This allows for easier movement and adds to an open, cohesive feeling. If you want carpet in the bedrooms, ask your remodeler to use low thresholds.
4. Lower kitchen counters
The typical kitchen countertop today is 36 inches high. The old standard was 30 inches high—about the height of your desktop. Use the old standard for countertops for some or all of your kitchen; they are easily accessible for someone in a wheelchair.
5. Knee space under the kitchen sink
Going back to the old standards, a farmhouse-style sink can allow the wheelchair-bound person to move in close to the sink to do dishes. If you don’t like the farmhouse look, you can have the under-sink cabinet doors designed so that the wheelchair can be moved in close. You’ll have to store your cleaning chemicals somewhere else—a good safety feature, anyways.
6. Lower storage
Deep kitchen drawers on slides are easy for someone in a wheelchair to use. I actually think they are easier for non-wheelchair users as well. Put the dishwasher next to the sink and the drawers next to the dishwasher. If you don’t need upper cabinets, you can use the upper space in your kitchen for more windows.
7. Bathroom with turning-radius for a wheelchair
Design your bathroom so that it is big enough to spin a wheelchair—about 50 to 55 inches in diameter. A spacious bathroom will give you the feel of luxury, while affording the wheelchair-bound individual the privacy and capability to handle his or her own grooming needs.
8. Wheelchair accessible shower
There are four options in designing a wheelchair-accessible shower:
- A totally open European shower, where the whole bathroom gets wet.
- A shower without a door but with a partial wall of tile or glass blocks to separate it from the rest of the bathroom.
- A shower with a pre-made base that sits directly on the framing. The builder would then have to raise the rest of the bathroom floor so there is no threshold bump. You can put a door on this type of shower.
- A raised shower base with a ramp leading up to the shower.
9. Smart technology
Consider smart technology, such as motion sensors, to automatically turn a light on and off when you enter or leave a room. This is especially handy for the bathroom. You can even have the bathroom fan set on a timer to make sure you completely dry the moisture to avoid mold and mildew problems.
10. Grab bars
Ask your remodeler to install blocking while framing in baths, stairways and hallways so you can add grab bars when you need them. Plan ahead, since a small add-on like this is basically free.
These are just a few suggestions for creating a retirement home that is accessible, safe and convenient as well as beautiful. Consult a remodeling specialist for more options. Check with the local chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) for licensed remodelers in your area.
Managing Caregiver Stress
Caregiving is a rewarding but stressful job.
Caring for a loved one is a worthy and rewarding calling, but it can also be overwhelming if you neglect to take care of yourself in the process. Caregiver burnout is common, especially among long-term caregivers, but if you pay attention to the warning signs of caregiver stress, you can get the help you need before the stress becomes too overwhelming.
Signs of Caregiver Stress:
- Forgetfulness
- Uncontrolled emotional outbursts
- Increased drinking, overeating, smoking, or other addictions
- Feeling tired and irritable often
- Sleeping too much or not enough
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Withdrawal from close relationships
- Physical symptoms such as headache, fatigue, or back and neck pain
- Changes in personality or work habits
Caring for Yourself
If you feel like you have to go it alone, you’re not going to last long. Caregiving is hard on even the most resilient people. Taking care of yourself needs to be a top priority. If you don’t take care of yourself, how will you be able to care for your loved one?
Stress-Relieving Tips:
- Ask for help (and have a list of jobs ready for those who want to help).
- Learn to say no to activities, projects, and financial commitments that will stretch you thin. Don’t let anyone manipulate you into taking on more than you can handle.
- Connect with other caregivers, either online or in person.
- Exercise daily, even if it’s only for a 10-minute walk.
- Laugh more. Spend time with people who make you laugh, read a humorous book, or watch a comedy.
- Do things you enjoy. Caring for someone else doesn’t mean you have to give up your own interests and dreams.
- Take planned breaks from caregiving, and don’t let yourself feel guilty about it. The time you spend away from caregiving will make you a better caregiver when it’s time to return.
- Think positive. Meditation, prayer, and affirmations all promote calm emotions and optimistic thinking.
- Eat nutritious, balanced meals. Skipping meals causes your blood sugar to crash and can affect your moods and thinking.
How to Avoid Falls on the Stairs
Add hand railings to your stairs to make them safer.
As you grow older, navigating stairs becomes more difficult. Avoiding stairs is the best way to avoid a fall, but sometimes that’s not possible.
Here are some tips to help you safely go up and down the stairs in your home or away from home.
- Hang on to one or both railings as you go up or down the stairs. If you live in a home without railings, ask someone to install them. Talk to a family member, friend, neighbor, senior organization, or church for help with changes to your home.
- You can use your walking cane to help you navigate the stairs. Hold onto the railing with one hand and your cane in the other.
- When possible, use the elevator or a ramp when away from home. Walking up and down a ramp is safer than using the stairs.
- Wear shoes with rubber soles. They should be sized correctly for your feet to prevent tripping.
- Get rid of any clutter on the stairs. Avoid using the stairs for storage.
- The stairs should be evenly spaced and in good condition. Remove any loose strips of carpet, rubber mats, or metal strips that could trip you up.
- Make sure the stairs are clearly outlined so that you can see where each stair begins. Carpeted stairs with busy patterns and deep-piled or shag carpet make it difficult to see each stair. Use brightly colored tape at the edge of each stair to make it easier to see the outline of each step.
- The stairs should be well lit, with a light switch at the bottom and top of the staircase. Always turn on the light before going up or down the stairs.
- If you are leaving the house, turn the porch light on above the outside stairs in case it’s dark when you return home.
Photo credit takomabibelot on Flickr via ESP
Caregiver Resources
Caring for an elderly parent? Here are some resources to help.
Taking care of a loved one can be rewarding and lead to personal growth, but the ups and downs can also leave you feeling overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are a growing number of resources available to ease your load and help you provide the best care for your loved one.
Setting up a support system and taking care of yourself are two of your most important priorities. If you’re not taking care of yourself first, you won’t be able to take good care of your loved one.
Listed below are links to resources that will help you find the support you need.
- WellSpouse – Support for spousal caregivers
- Checklists and Forms for Caregivers – Helpful forms for housing, finance, health, planning, legal, and end of life issues
- National Respite Network – Locate respite care for your loved one
- Caregiver Stress FAQ – Questions and answers on caregiving, health, stress, and finances
- Eldercare Locator – Connecting you to resources in your community
- The Caregiver Story Project – Know that you’re not alone. Read stories from other caregivers and share your own. Hosted by the National Family Caregivers Association.
- BenefitsCheckUp® – Find help paying for medicine or food
- Caregiving.com – Connect with other caregivers through blogs, forums, and more
- Today’s Caregiver – A magazine just for caregivers
- Medicare.gov – Caregiver resources and information from Medicare
- More Resources – A list of other resources from USA.gov
4 Ways to Prevent Falls at Home
Using a rollator after surgery or an injury can help prevent re-injury.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three adults over the age of 65 will fall each year. And the consequences can be fatal: falls are the leading cause of injury death for the elderly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of falls by improving the safety of their environment and making sure they have adequate mobility support.
What can you do to prevent a fall? Let’s look at 4 ways to stay on your feet:
1) Exercise regularly.
If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it! Maintaining physical strength, flexibility, and balance are important for preventing falls. If you don’t continue to exercise and use the muscles that you have, they will become weaker.
2) Get your vision checked.
Poor vision (or not wearing glasses prescribed by a doctor) makes it difficult to see potential tripping hazards. Get your vision checked regularly, and wear glasses if needed.
3) Give yourself time to recover.
Recovery from surgery, illness, and injury takes time. Don’t do more than your doctor or physical therapist recommends. Give your body time to heal, and use a mobility aid (such as a cane, walker, rollator, or wheelchair) to prevent re-injury. Bathroom safety products, such as a shower chair and grab bars, are also helpful.
4) Fall-proof your house.
Do you have loose rugs, poor lighting, or clutter on the floor? Taking simple steps to improve the safety of your home is key to preventing falls in the home.
Fall Prevention at Home for Seniors
A bath or shower chair can prevent falls in the bathroom.
The older you get, the more serious a fall can be. Broken bones are common in the elderly, and they take much longer to heal. The best way to prevent injuries from a fall is to prevent falls in the first place! Here are some tips to prevent falls at home.
- Take time to get your balance when standing up after lying down or sitting. Standing up too fast can make you dizzy.
- Wear supportive shoes with rubber soles and low or no heels. The rubber provides better traction than stocking feet.
- Use a cane or rolling walker around the house, especially when going from room to room. A little extra “balance check” may be all you need to prevent a fall.
- Keep the floor and stairs free of clutter. Arrange furniture to the outside of the room to make a clear path for walking.
- Use chairs with sturdy arm rests to help you sit down and get back up.
- Remove throw rugs or fasten them securely to the floor with carpet tape or non-skid backing.
- Keep items within easy reach. Avoid stretching or bending over to reach objects. Use a step stool or reacher if necessary.
- Install grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and shower. Use non-skid strips on the bottom of the bathtub or shower. A raised toilet seat and shower chair can also prevent falls in the bathroom.
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