Unicare Health gears up for Falls Prevention month with Silverchain
Did you know that April is national Falls Prevention month? This month is all about spreading the word about tools, tips, and habits to help prevent falls and keep you steady on your feet. Falls are unfortunately common among people with limited balance or mobility, including older individuals or those with disabilities. They can have long-lasting effects and cause serious injuries. That’s why it’s crucial to stay aware of fall prevention strategies so that you can stay safe, healthy, and active. As a dedicated assistive technology supplier, we’re here to shine the spotlight on day-to-day products and equipment that can help prevent falls around the house.
Silverchain Falls Prevention Expo
17 & 18 April 2024
Kingsley and Rockingham
We were delighted to take part in a falls prevention initiative with our friends at Silverchain, a leading provider of in-home health and aged care services across Australia. These expos took place in Kingsley and Rockingham, offering seniors the chance to engage one-on-one with fall prevention experts and explore solutions available through the Commonwealth Home Support Program and Home Care Package funding. Other exhibitors also joined the fun, including Blueassist with their emergency response pendants and Ego Pharmaceuticals with their healthy skin care products.
At the expos, we brought along a full supply of mobility aids, wheelchairs, pressure care cushions, bathroom aids, and more to help people become familiar with the different possibilities available. Our wheelchairs and walkers were a hit among attendees, and the new Aura wheelchair stole the show. With its lightweight and sleek design, the Aura is an excellent choice for everyday use, whether it’s maneuvering around the house or venturing out in the community. And if you prefer a walker or rollator, our ever-popular Viva Walker is the perfect companion piece. Its light aluminum frame and ergonomic design ensure safety and stability in plenty of different environments.
Falls prevention around the home
When it comes to preventing falls at home, small handheld daily living aids can make a big difference. For example, a dressing aid like a dressing stick or a sock and stocking aid can eliminate the need to bend down while getting dressed. Likewise, a bathroom aid like a long-handled scrub sponge is great for scrubbing hard-to-reach spots without any uncomfortable twisting.
Speaking of which, did you know that bathrooms are one of the most common rooms to fall over in? Since tiled floors are often slippery or wet, it’s important to make sure you have some extra support. Grab rails are a great solution that give you something steady to hold onto, offering you safety and peace of mind. Similarly, if you have any trouble lifting and lowering yourself from the toilet, we recommend a toilet frame or raised toilet seat to give you that extra stability. It’s a small change that can make a significant difference in your safety.
Fall Prevention Tips
Want to keep yourself or a loved one safe at home? Here are some of the things we recommend to keep you safe and secure around your house:
- Avoid leaving loose clutter such as clothes on the ground
- Arrange your tables, chairs, and other furniture so that they are not in your way when you walk
- Install grab rails on your stairs and in the bathroom
- Use exercise products to increase your strength and mobility
- Avoid standing on chairs to reach high objects or leaning out of your chair to grab something far away. Instead, use a reacher or ask someone for assistance.
- Use night lights and keep a torch by your bedside to help you navigate in the dark
Thank you
We would like to express our gratitude to Silverchain for inviting us to talk about falls prevention equipment. And thank you, too, for joining us in learning about falls prevention and safety! If you have any questions or would like some help reducing your risk of falls at home, please get in touch with us. Or, drop by our Assistive Technology Collaboration Centre in Bentley where we’ll help you learn more about the products that can help you stay safe, mobile, and steady on your feet. We hope to see you there!
