Improving the Quality of Elderly Life: The Right Time to Buy Fall Prevention Products

Ancient Romans are still known to this day for their witty quotes, that neither old age was an exception to. As the famous Seneca once stated, “Old age is an incurable disease”. Old age is certainly a subject that’s always been occupying the thoughts of humans. Here’s a quote of Maggie Kuhn, US activist, to brighten up the one previously mentioned: “Old age is not a disease – it is strength and survivorship, triumph over all kinds of vicissitudes and disappointments, trials and illnesses.”

It’s the last bit of that very quote that spreads fear even among the bravest of us, but it’s nothing that a bit of prevention can’t do to soften up this stage of life. Such is the case with elderly fall prevention products. In old age, falls are that much more prominent, as they can easily turn into dislocations, and fractures, that make surgery not the desirable option exactly as anesthesia itself happens to be a great risk.

Then there’s also the fact a whole range of other problems may arise, like sores, head injuries, and infections, which could easily lead to fatality. Even if there aren’t any significant injuries, a single fall can cause a great deal of damage in terms of instilling fear within the elderly, resulting in reduction of quality of life, lack of physical activity, and eventually loss of independence by bed confinement.

While the cause for the falls may differ, considering there are elderly who have difficulty with mobility due to cognitive illnesses, gait disorders, or simply hazards in the home, it’s important to acquire the necessary elderly fall prevention products, like bath lifts, shower chairs, walking sticks, and walking belts, to provide a safe home environment.

Part of the prevention also lies in clearing out the home of any clutter, or objects, that might prove to be hazardous, installing grab rails, adding safety equipment in wet areas (e.g. slide sheet in the bathroom), efficient bright illumination, wearing adequate shoes, and keeping most used items within reach.

Given the fact it’s turned into one of the major health issues in our community, with over 30% of Australian adults over the age of 65 experiencing a fall annually, leading to considerable increase in costs of the medical system, we should consider it our duty to improve the quality of life of our elderly.

Apart from acquiring the necessary fall prevention products, it’s advisable to adopt fall prevention strategies in the form of joining up balance and exercise groups (like tai chi), and engaging in more exercise at home. It’s also important to encourage elderly to get regular eye and hearing check-ups, in order to assess whether there’s possibility of falling due to balance, hearing, and vision issues, and see if medications they`re taking have certain side effects.