Occupational Therapy in the Clinic, School and At Home
Occupational Therapy in the Clinic, School and At Home
Most injuries affecting older people are the result of falls, but they just occur as we get older. More often than not, falls occur due to more than one risk factor. These contain your medical and physical situation, as well as safety risks in your home or community atmosphere. Personal risk factors include muscle weakness, mainly in the legs; lack of balance and difficulty walking; as well as a quick drop in blood pressure when you get up from lying down or sitting.
Falls can cause damaged bones, such as hip, arm, or wrist fractures. It may even cause head issues. People who fall often can develop a fear of falling, which may be the reason to reduce movement, have slower reflexes and cease everyday activities. As an outcome of reduced physical activity, you get weaker, and this raises your chance of falling.
To stop falls, improving home safety and personal awareness is essential. Brightening dimly lit areas, such as installing handrails and stairwells – preferably on both sides – can give extra stability. It is equally vital to use these handrails and take your time when navigating stairs.
Reducing clutter, mainly on walkways and staircases, helps get rid of tripping hazards, as does removing throw rugs that could catch your feet. Installing grab bars in top-risk areas like bathrooms, showers, near toilets, and even exterior doors can give extra support. Using a bed rail can also help with getting in and out of bed safely. Wearing powerful footwear with the best tread, both outside and inside the home, further decreases fall risk.
Furthermore, hearing checks and regular vision, along with a yearly review of drugs and their potential bad effects, can help older adults stay aware of any changes that might impact their coordination and balance.
When bones are weak, they tend to break effortlessly. This is called osteoporosis. By taking sufficient calcium-rich foods every day, you can keep your bones powerful. These contain low-fat, high-calcium milk, cheese, and sardines. Getting the best dose of vitamin D from sunlight also helps to keep bones fit.
Vitamin D helps our body absorb calcium from daily life food. It can be found in cod liver oil, eggs, or fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines. The top way to get sufficient vitamin D is to take a walk outdoors when the sun is up. Fifteen to thirty minutes of exposure to sunlight every day is all we need. Anyway, avoid outdoor activities during the warmest period of the day, as this can lead to overheating and dehydration, which are particularly concerning during the summer months.
Use wearable devices
Wearable devices are key in fall prevention. They provide continuous monitoring, vital signs and tracking of movements. These devices generally come in the form of pendants or watches, making them easy to wear.
Fall detection: Many wearables have built-in sensors. They notice sudden changes in movement that point out a fall.
Health monitoring: Some gadgets monitor activity levels and heart rate. This data helps in assessing full health and predicting potential risks.
If you are looking for our other occupational therapy services, contact us online or give us a call.
If you are looking for our other occupational therapy services in Perth, contact us online or give us a call.
