Older adults especially are at great risk for falling in their home, and this can lead to serious injury. Each year, one in three adults over the age of 65 falls.
Here are some more statistics from the Centers for Disease Control about falling:
- "Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries."
- "In 2010, 2.3 million nonfatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments and more than 662,000 of these patients were hospitalized."
- "Twenty to thirty percent of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as lacerations, hip fractures, or head traumas. These injuries can make it hard to get around or live independently, and increase the risk of early death."
- "Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries."
- "In 2010, about 21,700 older adults died from unintentional fall injuries."
As we learn from these data reported by the CDC, falling is common in the 65+ age group, and it can have severe, long-term consequences on one's quality of life.
Here are some resources for medical supplies and ideas for using them to reduce the fall risk at home.
1. A Shopper's Guide to Canes
An important theme to keep in mind when shopping for medical supplies is that many of them have several options and features now that a few decades ago didn't exist. Many medical supplies and mobility aids are not a "one-size-fits-all" situation. So it's important to do your homework (much of which can be done within our site here at About Medical Supplies) and select the proper fit and features that are right for you.
And so it is with canes. Follow the above link and read about a variety of cane types, and how they provide different degrees of assistance based on what you need.More »
2. Slip and Fall Prevention for the Home
This article lightly covers product recommendations but is heavy on the tips and tactics you can use to set up your home in a safe way to reduce the risk of falling. You'll learn about potential tripping hazards and other things that can lead to injury. More »
3. 6 Supplies to Aid Daily Living
Aside from slipping or tripping, another common cause of falls and the injuries that result begin with reaching. Older adults commonly suffer from reduced joint mobility, so the act of reaching an item they need in a kitchen cabinet for example can become painful and inhibitive.
Other reaching or grasping scenarios that becomes difficult to accomplish safely are:
- Reaching for something that fell behind a table or couch
- Picking up a fork or spoon that fell from the dining table
- Grasping dining implements like forks, spoons, and even drinking glasses become difficult if arthritis sets in and therefore these items may be dropped.
- Getting in and out of the car.
- Getting in and out of the shower and tub.
- Getting on and off the toilet.
Read more from this article about products designed to aid someone in the daily living activities listed above. If you can reach something more easily with these medical supplies, you'll reduce your risk of falling in the process.More »
4. 4 Common Categories of Durable Medical Equipment
These four categories of durable medical equipment are a good perspective for home safety medical supplies. Learn more about safety in the bathroom, a brief introduction to wheelchairs, walking aids, and transfer aids that home healthcare workers can use for a bed-ridden patient at home. More »
5. Rollator or Walker?
Walkers and rollators can help someone retain independence around their home. There are many types available today, all with an assortment of features for comfort, safety, and fit. Start here as you investigate what's available, and what could best suit you.More »