My mother doesn't want to get hand rails or do other necessities to make her house safer -- I am looking for stats that I can give her to help the argument.
Something relating to the reduction in falls if we remove the rugs, add hand rails, etc.
Any resources?
Thanks!
My father has weekly visits and learns to react to balance issues (needing to respond to a gentle shove, maintaining balance while performing unusual postures, etc.) and general strength (core muscles in particular are valuable supports to arrest a fall).
The added bonus for my dad is that he enjoys the attention and performs his routine at home - he is 95. Memory is a challenge but I have drawn a chart in pictures which he ticks off upon completion. This goal oriented scheme also seems to pay dividends for his self esteem.
OT will find the danger areas, not just of the home but from a mobility point of view & ask about medical issues too. Eg slipping on a mat can be not lifting the feet enough / feeling dizzy in the shower may blood pressure problems / falling out of bed can be lack of trunk strength.
I remember one poster who said their folks house was like a cruise ship it has so many grab rails LOL. (But they still fell 😞)
Good luck and Godspeed my friend. And if you ever find the secret to preventing falls, please pm me.
Remove all rugs if possible. For sure remove mats, throw rugs even bathroom rugs. If you do remove carpeting some of the newer flooring that can withstand extended periods of time wet would be a good option.
One of the conversations you might want to have is...
What rehab facility would you want to go to when you fall. (Notice the when, not if)
What do you want us to do if you are not able to make decisions about your care? Do you want CPR? Do you want intubation? Do you want a feeding tube? There is a form that covers this (called a POLST in most areas some states have other terms)
Having a talk like this is important in any case but it might be a reality check for her.
All that said you can’t make her use hand rails, grab bars, or any other safety measure.
I know I should be careful but I still do “stupid” stuff I think we are all like that. To worry about falling every step you take is exhausting part of living is taking a risk, you just have to try to minimize the risk.
Some hospitals have (or had) programs that taught people how to minimize the chance of falls or other injury. You could call your local hospital and ask.
https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/index.html