Unicare presents Assistive Technology for Falls Prevention at Worlds Falls Congress 2023
In Australia, falling is a major worry for our elderly population. Between 2020 and 2021, seniors over 65 years old made up 60% of hospitalizations and 94% of deaths from falls. This indicates that our beloved seniors are more likely to suffer injuries from falls, and it also puts a tremendous deal of strain and financial burden on those who care for them.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
But, there’s good news! By focusing on falls prevention, we can save money, help carers, and keep our seniors happy, healthy, and active. Improving our standards in falls prevention and advocating for those who need it can make a big difference.
In November, the Australia and New Zealand Falls Prevention Society and the World Congress on Falls and Postural Stability hosted a joint conference to present the latest research and innovations in falls prevention. The aim was to address the impact of falls and improve the quality of care for seniors. By making use of better prevention strategies, we can help keep our cherished seniors safe and give them the peace of mind they deserve.
Falls Prevention Society & World Falls Congress 2023
26-28th November 2023
Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre
Nearly 400 health and aged care professionals came together from across the globe to discuss new falls prevention strategies. In particular, they focused on holistic approaches to prevent falls, addressing both physical and psychological risk factors. During the event, attendees learned about some promising strategies to prevent falls, such as using AI, implementing new nutritional standards, and offering special exercise programs.
“Falling is one of the greatest risks for the physical health and psychological well-being of elderly people… The fear of further falls is one of the most common psychological consequences, leading to limited physical activity, a loss of self-confidence and social isolation.”
One of the keynote speakers was Professor Stephen Lord, who introduced the new Australian best practice guidelines for falls prevention in community, hospital, and aged care settings. This is significant news, since these standards were last updated in 2009. The new guidelines emphasise that the main challenge to falls prevention is implementation, despite the significant amount of research already conducted. To meet the new best practices, it’s essential to use the right equipment so you can help older residents live safely and comfortably.
We Unicare about Falls Prevention
We at Unicare Health care deeply about helping older members of the community. Using assistive technology solutions is crucial to help seniors stay active and confident. By finding the right equipment, health practitioners can also rest easier knowing that their clients have the care and support they need.
At the event, our display brought a touch of colour and festive cheer. Attendees enjoyed speaking with our friendly staff, who were happy to chat about assistive technology for falls prevention.
Chairs
Lift and recline chairs can be very helpful in preventing falls. When someone has the right chair that is comfortable and fits them properly, they are far less likely to try standing up throughout the day. Plus, being able to recline into a sleeping position makes this even more comfortable and effective. When the user eventually stands up, the lifting feature guides them gently and securely to their feet, reducing the risk of falling. Because of this extra support, lift and recline chairs help older people feel happier, healthier, and more comfortable throughout their day.
Our featured lift and recline chair is the EZ Sleeper with Twilight Tilt, which has a special position called Twilight Tilt. This position is fantastic for people with edema, a common condition that causes swelling in the lower limbs. When the chair is tilted back, the person’s feet are raised above their heart level, which helps to reduce swelling and discomfort in the legs, ankles, and feet. Resting in this position can make older people feel more comfortable and experience less pain and swelling. As a result, their risk of falling is reduced and their overall comfort is improved.
Beds
Bed-related falls can happen in many ways. For instance, the bed user may fall out during the night or while getting out of bed in the morning. As such, choosing the right bed can make all the difference in ensuring your client stays safe and comfortable. When choosing a bed, you should consider your person’s individual needs so you can provide them with the best support and ensure a good night’s sleep.
Sentida
The Sentida low bed range by Wissner-Bosserhoff is a great option for those who may be at risk of falling. These beds feature modern side guards that provide extra support and safety. What’s great about these side guards is that they’re split into halves, making it easy for residents to support themselves when they move to a seated or standing position. With four side guards at three adjustable height positions, Sentida beds are flexible and adaptable throughout the day. They’re supportive, easy to use, and can quickly adapt to suit the person’s needs, making them an excellent option for preventing falls.
Sentida beds also have an easy 3-stop solution to adjust bed height. This feature allows the bed to be raised or lowered automatically to common positions, such as optimal nursing position, optimal seating position, and a low position that’s safe for sleeping. This is a great feature for keeping residents safe and reducing their risk of falls throughout the day. Caregivers appreciate how simple it is to choose the right height for their residents, ensuring they are always well-protected.
Xcel Floorline
Floorline beds can be a great solution for people with mobility issues, or who have trouble getting in and out of bed. The Xcel Floorline bed is an electric profiling bed that goes all the way down to 110mm from ground level. This makes it easier to climb into and means rolling out of bed is less likely to result in injury. The Xcel is the first floorline bed that you can equip with a side rail accessory, providing users extra support when they sit or stand. Because of this, you can further help the user to stay safe from falls.
The Xcel Floorline bed is packed with benefits that are perfect for aged care homes. For example, you can automatically adjust it into popular care positions, including knee bend, comfort seating, vascular support, hi-lo, and Trendelenburg. It also offers in-built extensions for taller people, making the beds range from 200-220cm long. Because these beds are versatile, supportive, and easy to clean, they are a great fit for all kinds of care environments.
Ook Snow Bed
We were also thrilled to support our friends at Alpha Lifecare, who showcased the Ook Snow Bed. This hospital ward bed is specially designed to cater to bariatric, medical-surgical, and palliative care settings. What sets the Ook Snow bed apart is its advanced features that prioritize patient safety and comfort. Unicare Health is proud to be the exclusive Western Australian distributor of this feature-packed hospital bed.
A World of Innovation
It’s always exciting to see what developments are happening in the world of falls prevention. This joint conference was full of plenty of innovative and inspiring stalls. We had a lovely time talking to everyone and getting to catch up with friends, new and old!
Thank You
Thank you so much for taking the time to learn about falls prevention with us! We unicare about making life better and more comfortable for older Australians. Choosing the right equipment can make all the difference in protecting them from falls. By working together and equipping ourselves with the right tools, we can make our health systems kinder and safer for our seniors.
Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you again next time!
