Fall Prevention: How Adaptive Equipment can Assist

Adaptive Equipment - Tools to Prevent Falls and Age Well at Home

To be able to age well while remaining living at home, maintaining independence and safety becomes increasingly vital. As we continue our series around how to prevent falls, we will look at how adaptive equipment can assist us in this regard. Thankfully, there is a range of adaptive equipment designed to provide additional support to help prevent falls, and in this post, we will explore a few essential adaptive tools which can enhance safety within the home.

1. Reacher/Grabber

A reacher or grabber is a versatile tool designed to extend one's reach, eliminating the need to stretch or bend over, which may otherwise cause moments of imbalance. This simple yet effective device helps the user grasp items on high shelves or retrieve objects from the floor, minimising the risk losing one's balance, causing of a fall. They are also useful for getting dressed if someone has limited mobility or is restricted with their hip flexion, e.g. after hip surgery.

With a comfortable grip and a long-reaching arm, a reacher becomes an invaluable aid in daily activities, promoting independence and reducing the risk of falls. These come in different styles and lengths, with a variety of functions, such as being foldable, having rotating heads, or ergonomic trigger handles. Some come with a small magnet at the end, enabling the picking up of and dropped needles, paperclips or other smaller metallic objects from the floor. Make sure you purchase the appropriate length, so it's not too long or too short for the person and the purposes it will mainly be used for. A shorter reacher will be better for heavier items, and if you are to use a foldable reacher, these may not be as strong, so would not be appropriate for lifting heavier items. On the other hand, a longer reacher may be more useful for dressing.

2. Shower Stool

Showering safely can be a precarious activity as we age, especially when balance is a concern. A shower stool provides a stable seating option in a wet area, allowing the person to bathe comfortably and safely. By ensuring the seat comes with non-slip feet and a sturdy design, these stools can provide a secure and more comfortable bathing experience, reducing the likelihood of slips and falls in the shower. These come in different designs; from a basic plastic design to a higher design look, with or without armrests and back support. Many of them are also height-adjustable, to suit the individual's requirements. The wooden stools may have a higher end look, but may possibly not be as practical when it comes to adjustability and price. The seat's sturdiness, non-slip feet, and overall strength should be a top priority to ensure maximum safety.

3. Non-Slip Strips and Bath Mats

Slippery surfaces, whether in the bathroom or other wet areas, pose a significant risk for slips and falls. Non-slip strips offer a simple yet effective solution to add some grit to the area. These adhesive strips can be applied to a variety of surfaces, such as in the shower or bath tub, providing traction and preventing slips. Easily customisable to fit different areas, non-slip strips are an affordable and practical addition to create a safer living space for our loved ones, and they come in a variety of shapes and colours, so you can have some fun with choosing the one that suits the space best. Having a non-slip mat outside the shower also helps prevent slipping on a wet floor once you step out of the shower, allowing for drying off before stepping on the floor. Just make sure the mat itself does not become a trip hazard with any bulky edges and bulging.     

4. Grab-bars

Installed strategically in key areas around the home, grab-bars offer stability and support and can make a big change with independence and safety. Commonly found in bathrooms near toilets and in showers, as well as along hallways and staircases, these bars provide a secure handhold, allowing for support to pull up from sit to stand, or for a more secure standing.

Choosing grab bars with a textured surface ensures a better grip, further reducing the risk of falls. Some grab-bars are securely screwed in to the wall, while some also come with a strong suction option. Any suction grab-bars should also be installed on clean, smooth non-porous surfaces, and may not be as secure and may come undone, so need to be used with caution. For either option, proper installation is key, so consult with a professional to ensure a secure attachment to the wall.

In Summary

By incorporating adaptive aids into the living spaces, this can significantly reduce the risk of falls and enhance overall safety. Whether it's reaching for items, showering or bathing securely, adaptive equipment empowers seniors to navigate their homes confidently, by preventing slips or providing stable handholds. As we prioritise ageing in place, investing in these simple yet effective tools becomes a proactive step toward creating a secure and comfortable environment for our ageing loved ones. These are just a few examples of many tools that are available, and we will continue to write about the many options out there.

For an in depth consultation around adaptive equipment, it can be worth involving an Occupational Therapist who specialises in community care, who can also provide professional advise suited best for the individual.

For a free Home Safety Checklist, please click the link.